Digitisation Officer - Ian Peter Digitisation Project
This position has been filled.
Reports to: Project Manager for Ian Peter Digitisation Project
Duration: Short-term contract (6 months, with possible extension) approx. 200 hours total. Start ASAP.
Location: Brisbane CBD (possibility of occasional travel within Australia). Must be legally able to work in Australia.
Reporting to: Project Manager - Ian Peter Digitisation Project
Partners: Wikimedia Australia and APNIC
Date of posting: October 2024. Applications close 1 November 2024.
Project Overview
The Digitisation Officer will assist in the digitisation project aimed at evaluating and digitising personal papers and records of the Ian Peter Archive, documenting the early days of the internet in Australia. This project is a collaborative effort between Wikimedia Australia and the APNIC Foundation, focusing on preserving and making accessible historical documents that highlight the development and impact of the internet in Australia.
The Ian Peter Archive is a collection of nationally important documents recording a significant time in Australian history. Preserving documents that chronicle the development of the internet in Australia is crucial for understanding the nation's digital evolution, its extension to Southeast Asia and overall role in global connectivity. The records contained in the Ian Peter Archives provide invaluable insights into the technological advancements, policy development, and collaborative efforts that have shaped Australia's internet infrastructure and governance.
Key Responsibilities
Digitisation
- Assist in the evaluation and selection of personal papers and records for digitisation.
- Operate digitisation equipment to produce high-quality digital copies of documents.
- Ensure proper handling and preservation of original materials during the digitisation process.
- The upload of digitised materials to Wikimedia Commons using a bulk upload tool such as Pattypan
Metadata Management
- Assist in implementing and managing metadata standards for digitised materials.
- Input and verify metadata to ensure accurate and consistent records.
Quality Assurance
- Conduct quality checks on digitised materials to ensure they meet project standards.
- Report any issues or discrepancies to the Project Manager.
Documentation and Reporting
- Maintain detailed records of digitisation activities and progress.
- Assist in preparing progress reports for stakeholders.
- Document best practices and lessons learned during the digitisation process.
Technical Support
- Provide technical support for digitisation equipment and software.
- Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues as they arise.
Collaboration
- Work closely with the Project Manager, other team members and APNIC to ensure project goals are met.
- Participate in regular project meetings and provide updates on digitisation activities.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Information Management, Library Science, History, or a related field, or equivalent work experience.
- Basic understanding of digitisation processes and best practices.
Desirable Qualifications
- Experience in a digitisation or archival project.
- Familiarity with metadata standards and digital archiving systems.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Basic technical skills and the ability to operate digitisation equipment.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote environment.
- Flexibility to work remotely and adapt to different time zones and schedules.
Experience
- Knowledge of Wikimedia Commons and other Wikimedia platforms; such as Wikipedia.
- Some experience in digitisation or archival projects is preferred.
- Experience working with digitisation equipment and software is an advantage.
Attributes
- Passion for preserving historical records and making them accessible to the public.
- Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
- Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and processes.
- Understanding of the principles of equality and diversity and the ability to apply and promote these in practice at work.
- Commitment to the goals and values of Wikimedia Australia and APNIC.
The successful applicant is required to adhere to and comply with Wikimedia Australia and APNIC’s organisational policies, including but not limited to Occupational Health & Safety, Diversity & Equity, Travel and any other relevant guidelines and procedures.
For a confidential discussion about the role please contact: Belinda Spry belinda.spry@wikimedia.org.au (Executive Officer).
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter including a brief statement outlining their suitability for the role (maximum 2 pages) and resume.
Applications should be sent to staff@wikimedia.org.au by 1 November 2024.