Digital Preservation Librarians specialize in the technical stewardship and ongoing curation of institutional data, digitized collections, and born-digital resources. Unlike traditional librarians who often manage physical book circulation or frontline reference inquiries, these specialists focus on the continuous survival of electronic files against data corruption and software obsolescence. Daily activities center around ingest processing, format migration, digital forensics of obsolete media, and configuring repository platforms such as Archivematica and ContentDM.The rhythm of the role balances meticulous technical analysis with cross-departmental coordination. Professionals regularly audit metadata against standards such as DACS and EAD, execute file fixity checks, and consult with archivists and information technology staff to maintain repository storage architectures. Success requires a blend of investigative problem-solving, structured metadata knowledge, and administrative oversight to guarantee that electronic research materials remain discoverable and usable over decades.
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Responsibilities
Formulate institutional digital preservation policies, storage master plans, and retention strategies.
Manage the end-to-end lifecycle of born-digital and digitized assets from ingestion to long-term preservation.
Implement and maintain metadata standards, including DACS, EAD, and preservation schema to ensure interoperability.
Configure, monitor, and troubleshoot digital repository platforms, asset management systems, and web archiving pipelines.
Perform format migration, audiovisual digitization, and fixity checks to protect digital files from technical obsolescence.
Collaborate with faculty, archivists, and IT personnel to integrate digital collections into academic research and public engagement initiatives.
Direct and train colleagues and support staff on digital records standards, copyright compliance, and imaging procedures.
Qualifications
Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited institution.
Demonstrated professional experience managing digital archives, digitized collections, or born-digital processing workflows.
Comprehensive working knowledge of digital preservation frameworks, metadata standards, and archival description practices.
Practical experience utilizing digital repository platforms, digital asset management software, or specialized preservation tools like Archivematica.
Proficiency in digital file management, format migration procedures, and digital media processing.
Nice to Have
Demonstrated experience managing audiovisual preservation, specialized web archiving programs, or digital forensics workflows.
Familiarity with grant writing, project management methodologies, and digital collection vendor negotiations.
Active state library certification or specialized professional credentials in digital archives management.
Environment
Primary workplace is an academic, research, or governmental library setting with hybrid remote work flexibility.
Collaborative team culture interacting regularly with archivists, system administrators, and university researchers.
Standard full-time business hours with low physical demands, consisting primarily of workstation computer analysis and repository maintenance.
Work relies heavily on specialized software suites, digital repository architectures, and specialized media capture hardware.
Benefits & Growth
Positions typically feature comprehensive institutional benefits packages, including public or university retirement contributions and health insurance.
Clear advancement paths into senior leadership roles, such as Director of Preservation Services or Head of Library Systems.
Subsidized continuous learning opportunities, including support for archival certifications, specialized technical training, and conference participation.