Digitization Specialist

Job Description

Dar Al Raqmana is seeking a highly skilled and meticulous Digitization Specialist to join our team dedicated to preserving and providing access to valuable documentary heritage. The ideal candidate will have expertise in high-resolution image capture, digital preservation standards (like FADGI), and workflow management, with a strong understanding of handling both paper and bound cultural heritage materials, including Arabic manuscripts and texts.

This role is critical to delivering high-quality digital solutions to our clients, including libraries, museums, ministries, and private archives.

 Key Roles and Responsibilities

The Digitization Specialist will be responsible for the full lifecycle of the digitization process, including:

1. Preparation and Handling:

   • Carefully prepare and handle fragile, rare, or complex physical materials (books, maps, manuscripts, audio-visual content) for digitization, adhering strictly to conservation and preservation best practices.

   • Assess the condition of materials and recommend appropriate handling or stabilization methods.

2. Digital Image Capture:

   • Operate and maintain a variety of high-end scanning equipment (overhead, V-shape, flatbed, large format scanners) and specialized digital cameras.

   • Execute high-quality digital capture, ensuring compliance with international standards such as FADGI (or equivalent quality metrics).

   • Perform essential post-processing using tools like Photoshop or specialized imaging software to optimize image quality while maintaining authenticity.

3. Workflow and Quality Control (QC):

   • Implement and manage efficient digitization workflows for massive-scale production, ensuring high productivity rates.

   • Conduct rigorous Quality Assurance (QA) checks at both the page level and item level to verify image quality, resolution, orientation, and file naming protocols.

   • Troubleshoot equipment and software issues related to the digital capture process.

4. Metadata and Digital Repository:

   • Work with cataloging staff to create, enrich, and apply descriptive, structural, and technical metadata (e.g., following MARC or Dublin Core standards).

   • Ensure all digital assets meet long-term preservation and digital repository ingest requirements.

   • Assist in the testing and deployment of digital repository platforms (browsing, searching, and long-term storage).

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Archival Studies, Information Technology, or a related field.

• 3+ years of demonstrable, hands-on experience in a professional digitization environment (library, archive, or specialized service provider).

• Proven technical proficiency in operating and calibrating high-end specialized scanners/cameras (e.g., i2S, Phase One).

• Solid knowledge of image editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom) and digital file formats (TIFF, JPEG2000, PDF/A).

• Strong familiarity with digital preservation standards, guidelines, and best practices (e.g., FADGI, METS/ALTO).

Preferred Skills and Attributes

• Experience with Arabic Text Recognition (OCR) processes and the specific challenges associated with Arabic manuscripts/fonts.

• Familiarity with content management systems and digital repository software.

• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to perform precise, repetitive tasks accurately.

• Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to meet production deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English.

Why Join Dar Al Raqmana?

Dar Al Raqmana is a leader in providing state-of-the-art digitization and archiving solutions in the GCC region. You will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to safeguarding cultural heritage, utilizing the latest technology, and making significant historical and governmental collections accessible for future generations.