Stanford University Libraries (SUL) has an ongoing program to produce and
archive digital reproductions of library materials. Digital Library Systems
and Services (DLSS) supports SUL's program by managing and operating several
labs dedicated to digital imaging, as well as engaging in collaborative
digitization projects around the world. The materials digitized in the labs
largely consist of unique and/or historically significant materials, often
rich in color and fine detail. To support long-term preservation as well as
research, digital surrogates must faithfully represent the character and color
of the original artifact. The standard for quality is extraordinarily high,
especially for fine art, and rare and precious materials. DLSS labs also
support mass digitization of both published and unpublished materials. For
mass digitization projects, especially those involving texts, image quality
must support acceptable viewing of scanned pages as well as high accuracy
optical character recognition. Quality procedures and requirements vary across
content types and projects, but in all cases a rigorous quality assurance
program is necessary.

  
Reporting to the Manager of Digital Production, the Image Quality Assurance
Specialist will be responsible for ensuring that high standards for image
quality are achieved in DLSS digitization labs, projects and workflows. He or
she will ensure that imaging lab workflows include appropriate quality
assurance procedures, will configure software and hardware to comply with
image standards, will develop and codify quality assurance standards and
procedures, will collaborate with project managers and imaging staff on proper
imaging-related techniques, and will consult with SUL staff and external
partners on issues of image quality. He or she will play an active role in
reviewing and analyzing scanned images from all projects and devices to ensure
that they meet quality standards.

  
Duties:

• Work actively with SUL's imaging lab staff to ensure that lab setup and
digitization procedures produce the highest quality output. This involves
training and ongoing communication with imaging specialists, quality assurance
staff and project managers, calibration and validation of hardware and
software, and critical analysis of lab output for the purposes of improving
lab workflow and outputs. The Image QA specialist will be on-call to assist
lab staff in trouble-shooting issues related to image quality. 25%

• Actively review the quality of output files and metadata produced for
imaging projects at SUL, at partner institutions, and by vendors. This
includes detailed review of image and derivative files in a controlled
environment, and producing formal quality reports to lab staff and partners.
25%

• Conduct detailed reviews of library collections that have been identified
for potential digitization. Develop preliminary production plans, describing
appropriate imaging devices and workflows and including time and cost
estimates, to help determine feasibility and support resource planning for
potential projects. Help determine if outsourcing digitization is appropriate
for certain projects, and support vendor selection and acceptance testing of
vendor output. 25%

• Develop and document QA standards and procedures as part of SUL's
digitization workflows. 20%

• Consult with SUL project managers, and partner institutions on issues
related to image quality and digital preservation of image data. This includes
developing and maintaining relationships with peers in the cultural heritage
imaging community, and gathering knowledge on and actively contributing to new
developments, methodologies and best practices in the field. 5%

  
Required Knowledge & Expertise:

• Expert knowledge and at least three years of experience with a range of
digital imaging and digital photography technologies, including expertise in
digitization lab setup, digital camera and scanner technology, digitization
workflow, imaging system troubleshooting, and image analysis and processing
software.

• Demonstrated experience with technical photography, lighting principles,
procedures and studio setup.

• Ability to troubleshoot photography hardware issues and acceptance test and
modify equipment for highest quality output.

• Expert knowledge of image file formats, and current and emerging image
standards, including TIFF, JPEG, and JPEG2000.

• Expert knowledge in color management, including use and creation of color
profiles, color calibration of imaging devices and displays, and color
analysis.

• Expert knowledge in setting up an appropriate quality assurance environment
for the evaluation of high-quality digital images of cultural heritage
materials.

• Knowledge of optical character recognition software, and the relationship
between image quality and OCR accuracy.

• Experience assessing cultural heritage materials for digitization, and
developing professional project plans and production cost estimates.

• Demonstrated experience and understanding of principles of image quality
assurance procedures and standards that apply to the evaluation of library,
archive or museum objects.

• Strong technical understanding of output technologies, specifically
methodologies and techniques for the accurate reproduction of the color of
original objects on screen or in print.

• Experience training others in photography techniques and image quality
review methods, and experience creating training materials.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing, as
well as possess strong interpersonal skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Demonstrated ability working with all levels of staff, vendors and
consultants.

• Experience in a research library setting

• Experience working with vendors, managing RFI/RFP processes to select
vendors for hardware/software purchases or imaging services.

  
  
Desired Knowledge & Expertise:

• Experience using the Image Science Associates Golden Thread target and
software for device calibration and image quality assessment.

• Formal training in technical photography.

• Knowledge of metadata standards related to digital still images.
Understanding of preservation issues involved in reformatting print materials,
specifically training and experience handling rare and fragile special
collections materials.

• Sufficient computer systems and networking knowledge to implement and manage
imaging systems in a heterogeneous hardware and software environment.

• Ability to work effectively with computer systems administrators and
software developers to establish and integrate automated image QA processing
into routine workflows. Knowledge of current and emerging cultural heritage
standards pertaining to the preservation of digital files, in particular still
image files and associated metadata.

  
Two to three years of experience required working in the field of digital
imaging . Four to seven years of relevant experience desired. Work experience
in the cultural heritage community a plus.



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