Internet Archive Canada is Looking For Scribe Operator at Vancouver, BC Full Time

The Scribe Operator will operate a “Scribe” digitization machine that takes digital photos of books from various collections and displays them online for universal access.

The Internet Archive Canada is a non-profit organization working with 80+ world-class universities and libraries to create the world’s largest digital open library. We partner with institutions (in this case, Vancouver Public Library) to digitize and share unique collections of bound materials.

Gain experience in the following fields of endeavor: building an open source digital library, digital photography and digital scanning software, preservation and handling of special collections, presentation and production of digital books.

VPL Site Introduction

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, Vancouver Public Library (VPL) is the third largest public library system in Canada, with 800 staff members offering services at 21 branches across the city. VPL values a diverse workforce which represents the vibrant community we so proudly service. The successful candidate will be welcomed to help shape VPL’s commitments to Truth and Reconciliation, equity, and sustainability in an innovative, inclusive, and rewarding workplace.

Responsibilities and Duties

We are looking for Digital Scanners who are patient, conscientious, detail-oriented and who have the ability to work independently in a pleasant, low-stress work environment.

– Digitally scan images of pages in books and manuscripts using established processes and procedures.
– Ability to assess image quality and determine if a page has been skipped.
– Ability to troubleshoot and if that fails, to communicate with others about problems or solutions.
– Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
– Stellar communication skills with both in person communication as well as digital communication (Slack, email, video calls) required.
– Comfortable accepting guidance and constructive criticism where appropriate.
– Working knowledge of computers, e-mail, and spreadsheets – strong technical skills required.
– Must be able to lift and move stacks of books (5-15 lbs. each) short distances, sit at a Scribe station, and use a foot pedal to raise and lower a glass platen.
– A high tolerance for repetitive tasks and expert attention to detail is necessary.
– A love of books is a plus!

Physical/Special Requirements

Walking: Ability to move about on foot to accomplish tasks, to pick up materials to scan.

Lifting: Ability to raise and lower objects horizontally from position to position and lift up to 25 pounds safely.

Pushing/Pulling: Ability to use upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug carts in a sustained push or pull motion.

Seeing: Required to have close visual acuity to determine the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of scanning activity.

Sitting: Works at a computer 100% of the time. Must be able to sit at a scanning device for full shift length.

Scanning: Ability to use legs to push foot pedal, use hands and arms to raise and lower glass platen and to use eyes to see materials being scanned.

Cognitive Considerations

– Must have the ability to read, write in English and organize materials.
– Must be able to relate to other people in a professional manner.
– Ability to remain focused despite internal and external distractions.
– Must exhibit good safety awareness and judgment.

This is a temporary full time hourly position (until August 2024), with the possibility of extension dependent on performance and longevity of the project. Must have availability 8:00am – 4:00pm Monday to Friday for a total of 40 hours per week to work at Vancouver Public Library at 350 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6B1

We are grateful to all applicants but may only respond to those inquiries we would like to proceed with.

At Internet Archive Canada, employee health and safety is our top priority. We have implemented processes and precautions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our offices. As we are working with partner libraries, all staff are required to meet the local and site-specific COVID-19 and safety guidelines that are updated periodically.

Internet Archive Canada is committed to an equitable, diverse, and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women; First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons; members of visible minority groups; persons with disabilities; persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression; and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and perspectives to apply.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: $24.08 per hour