Totally Unique Opportunities -
DIGITAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION

The vision of the National Library is to connect New Zealanders with
information important to all aspects of their lives. To achieve our vision
we are embracing a process of quite rapid cultural and organisational
transformation that is exciting and sustainable. The New Generation National
Library Strategy will, we believe, create a workplace that will be perceived
as "a great place to work". We invite you to be a part of that change.

A groundbreaking challenge is to preserve digital objects so that they are
accessible for future generations.  The National Library of New Zealand Te
Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, is therefore developing the National Digital
Heritage Archive (NDHA) which is expected to go live in October 2008.   The
NDHA system will form the basis for collecting and preserving digital
objects for future research, study and cultural experience.

We are seeking to create an expert digital preservation team to work
collaboratively, in the first instance, with the NDHA project team tasked
with implementing the NDHA and then to move forward with the establishment
of strong digital preservation strategies and policies as well as routine
preservation operations.  The early induction period is intended to
facilitate an understanding of the Library, the project and new software
before undertaking operational digital preservation activity.
 
NATIONAL DIGITAL HERITAGE ARCHIVE MANAGER
You will thrive on the opportunity to provide leadership to an expert team
in this major new digital preservation initiative.  Reporting to the
Programme Architect National Digital Heritage Archive in the first instance,
your primary responsibility will be the planning and development of the NDHA
as an operational digital preservation activity.

As collaboration in national and global digital preservation forums is
expected, you will have at least three years experience of digital
preservation and access issues.  You will need to demonstrate the ability to
operate at a high strategic level along with demonstrated management
expertise. A Doctorate or Master’s degree in computing or a related
information management discipline is required, although academic
qualifications in another discipline with demonstrable experience and
knowledge of the digital preservation environment, will also be considered. 

NDHA PRESERVATION POLICY ANALYST
Reporting to the National Digital Heritage Archive Manager, you will be
responsible for establishing a robust and cohesive framework for digital
preservation policy and strategy and for undertaking continuing policy
development and operation as part of the National Library’s digital
preservation programme.  The results of policy and strategy development will
be used to inform ongoing digital preservation actions.

You should possess a demonstrated passion for the long-term archiving and
preservation of digital objects and be able to show vision in developing
policy to achieve permanent accessibility.  It’s expected that you will have
a Masters or Doctorate in a relevant discipline and have an advanced
understanding of computer technology and research methodologies.  You will
be experienced in developing policy.

NDHA DIGITAL PRESERVATION ANALYST
Reporting to the National Digital Heritage Archive Manager you will be
responsible for the research, design, development, testing and review of
preservation strategies for the digital material held within the NDHA, in
order to prevent or mitigate technological obsolescence. You will undertake
risk management for the NDHA and propose and test realistic solutions
following best practice and adhering to international standards.

You should possess a demonstrated commitment to the long-term archiving and
preservation of digital objects and be able to show vision and skill in
developing strategies to achieve permanent accessibility.  You will
undertake regular surveys of the digital preservation environment and
emerging technologies as well as impact analysis and cost/benefit analysis
to determine the best strategies for any given preservation activity.

It’s expected that you will have a Masters or Doctorate in a relevant
discipline and have an advanced understanding of computer technology and
research methodologies.  Academic qualifications in another discipline with
demonstrable experience and knowledge of the digital preservation
environment, may also be considered.

FOR ALL THREE POSITIONS:
Your project management skills are superb as is your ability to show
initiative and to understand and employ international preservation
standards.  With your talent for communication, you will be able to discuss
this complex topic with a wide range of people and stakeholders at all levels.

These are permanent positions but, for exceptional applicants, fixed term
contracts for a minimum of three years would be considered.
 

To register interest in, or apply for, any of the above positions, please
email your resumé to Ben Pearson, Beyond Recruitment Ltd at
[log in to unmask]
Job descriptions and an application form are available at
http://www.natlib.govt.nz/about-us/working-here/current-job-opportunities 
____________________________________________________________________________________
 
Te Puna Matauranga o Aotearoa
NATIONAL LIBRARY
OF NEW ZEALAND

The National Library has an equal employment 
opportunity policy and a commitment to meeting
its objectives under the Treaty of Waitangi.