Museum Collection Services and Digital Asset Specialist

Position Overview

The Collection Services and Digital Asset Specialist is responsible for managing, preserving, and providing access to the institution’s physical and digital collections. This role combines traditional collection management responsibilities with the oversight and development of digital assets, ensuring both are organized, accessible, and preserved according to best practices. The specialist collaborates with various departments, supports users, and implements innovative solutions for collection growth and digital transformation.

Key Responsibilities

• Collection Management: Oversee the acquisition, cataloging, organization, and preservation of physical and digital collections. Ensure accurate and up-to-date records in collection management systems.
• Digital Asset Management: Develop, implement, and maintain digital asset management systems. Ingest, organize, and provide access to digital content, including images, documents, audio, and video files.
• Metadata and Cataloging: Create and maintain high-quality metadata for both physical and digital assets to ensure discoverability and accessibility.
• Preservation: Apply best practices for the long-term preservation of both physical materials and digital assets, including digitization, file format migration, and backup strategies.
• User Support: Assist staff, researchers, and the public in accessing collections and digital assets. Provide training and support on the use of collection and digital asset management systems.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the creation and review of collection and digital asset policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Collaboration: Work with IT, curators, archivists, and other stakeholders to integrate digital assets into exhibitions, research, and educational initiatives.
• Quality Assurance: Conduct regular audits of collections and digital assets to ensure accuracy, consistency, and compliance with institutional standards.
• Professional Development: Stay current with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in collection management and digital asset preservation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Management, Museum Studies, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• Experience working with collection management and/or digital asset management systems.
• Familiarity with metadata standards (e.g., MARC, Dublin Core, VRA Core) and cataloging best practices.
• Knowledge of digital preservation strategies and copyright considerations.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and customer service abilities.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data integrity.
• Ability to troubleshoot technical issues and learn new technologies quickly.

Preferred Skills

• Experience with digitization projects and digital imaging standards.
• Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Content, Archivematica, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Familiarity with copyright, licensing, and intellectual property issues related to digital collections.
• Experience in a museum, library, archive, or cultural heritage setting.

Work Environment

This position may involve a combination of office work, hands-on collection management, and collaboration with technical teams. Some lifting and handling of physical materials may be required. Flexible scheduling or remote work options may be available depending on institutional policies.