Graduate Assistantships

The Graduate Assistant (GA) supports the care, maintenance, and preservation of the University Libraries collections. Under the supervision of the Preservation Librarian, the GA will learn to identify items in need of preservation, and to plan and take steps to keep content available for research and curricular use. The GA will be called upon to set priorities and adjust their workflow in response to shifting work and public demands; various duties often need to be performed simultaneously.

The Digital Programs and Initiatives (DPI) GA assists DPI staff in all aspects of the Libraries’ digital library operations, encompassing the digital platforms, unique digital content, programs, and projects that comprise the Libraries’ virtual presence. The Graduate Assistant is responsible for researching, testing, and troubleshooting platforms; contributing to procedures, documentation, and workflows for the management of digital content; and carrying out maintenance and testing activities to ensure DPI’s systems and digital content are functional and accessible. The DPI GA would take an active role in ongoing digital projects, such as developing and conducting training, documentation, and feature requests for digital platforms, support digital repository migration efforts, and assist with ingest and preservation of digital collections. Other regular tasks include generating reports and workflow documentation; performing quality assurance and other testing on systems managed by DPI; and working with staff across the UMD Libraries to enhance shared understanding and expertise with digital platforms, collections, and operations. The GA works collaboratively across the UMD Libraries to gather information and requirements for digital projects, and works closely with other Digital Services and Technologies departments to plan and implement new systems and application features. The GA is an active member of the department, and as such may be involved in work supporting a range of departmental programs, including web and discovery services and user experience research, digital preservation, digital repository management, and new initiatives. Please review the attached position description for full information.