Digital Archive Assistant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the realm of digital preservation, the role of a Digital Archive Assistant has become increasingly crucial.

As technology evolves, there is a growing demand for skilled individuals who can organize, maintain, and protect our digital heritage.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a Digital Archive Assistant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this position,
• A hiring manager outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of digital archiving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Digital Archive Assistant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Digital Archive Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

Digital Archive Assistants carry out tasks relating to the organization, storage, and retrieval of digital content.

They are primarily responsible for the preservation and maintenance of digital records and materials.

Their daily duties and responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the management and organization of digital archives
• Digitizing physical records and other materials for preservation
• Ensuring the integrity and safety of digital files
• Maintaining a comprehensive database for easy retrieval of archived materials
• Assisting in the development and implementation of digital archive policies and procedures
• Carrying out quality control checks to ensure the readability and accuracy of digital files
• Providing support and training to users on how to access and use digital archives
• Working collaboratively with other departments to integrate digital archives into broader organizational strategies
• Conducting regular audits and updating digital records as necessary
• Keeping up to date with emerging digital storage technologies and archiving practices

 

Digital Archive Assistant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a detail-oriented Digital Archive Assistant to join our team.

The candidate will assist in the digitization and management of our growing archival collections.

Digital Archive Assistant responsibilities include cataloging digital assets, scanning physical documents, maintaining digital archives, and ensuring the preservation and accessibility of digital materials.

Our ideal candidate has experience with digital archiving and is comfortable using archive management software.

Ultimately, the role of the Digital Archive Assistant is to assist in the management and preservation of our digital resources, ensuring they are correctly stored and easily accessible to relevant parties.

 

Responsibilities

• Assist in digitizing physical materials such as documents, photographs, and other artifacts
• Catalog and manage digital assets using archive management software
• Maintain the organization of digital archives
• Assist in developing and implementing policies for digital preservation
• Support staff and users in accessing digital archives
• Perform regular checks and backups of digital resources
• Collaborate with other departments on digitization projects
• Assist with the training of staff on new digital archiving procedures and technologies
• Comply with data privacy and protection regulations

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience in a similar role such as digital archivist, librarian, or related
• Experience with digital archive management software
• Knowledge of data storage and preservation techniques
• Strong organizational and cataloging skills
• Excellent computer skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Ability to handle delicate and aged materials
• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Digital Archive Assistant
• Work Environment: This role is primarily office-based but may involve some remote work. Some handling of physical artifacts will be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Digital Archive Manager or Information Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $55,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Digital Archive Assistant Do?

Digital Archive Assistants are typically employed by libraries, museums, or any institutions that maintain a vast amount of digital information.

They work closely with Digital Archivists and Information Managers to ensure that digital materials are properly stored, classified, and easily retrievable when needed.

Their primary job is to assist in the digitization of materials such as documents, photographs, videos, and audio files.

They also create metadata for these materials to make them searchable in the database.

Digital Archive Assistants perform quality control checks on digital records, ensuring that information is accurately captured and stored.

They may also be tasked with the responsibility of migrating data from older formats to newer ones to prevent data loss due to technological obsolescence.

Additionally, they provide technical support to users navigating the digital archive and aid in the retrieval of digital materials as requested.

They also play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and security of the digital archive by adhering to data protection regulations and instituting measures against data loss or unauthorized access.

 

Digital Archive Assistant Qualifications and Skills

A Digital Archive Assistant should have a range of skills and qualifications that align with your job description, including:

• Experience with digital archive systems and understanding of archival theory and practices.
• Detail-oriented and highly organized to ensure efficient and accurate storage and retrieval of documents.
• Working knowledge of metadata standards and schemas for describing, managing, and accessing digital collections.
• Excellent computer skills, including proficiency in digitization hardware and software applications, and database management.
• Strong communication skills to liaise with other departments, answer queries about the archive, and provide training or guidance to users where necessary.
• Problem-solving skills to troubleshoot issues with digital archives and devise solutions to enhance the system.
• Understanding of copyright laws and regulations related to digital materials.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating strong interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to preserving confidentiality and security of sensitive information.

 

Digital Archive Assistant Experience Requirements

Digital Archive Assistants are typically required to have at least 1 to 2 years of experience in a relevant field, such as library science, digital archiving, or information management.

This experience is often gained through internships, part-time roles, or entry-level positions in a library or archival institution.

Candidates may also gain necessary experience through coursework or practical application in a degree program related to library science, information science, or archival studies.

Some roles may require a Master’s degree in these areas, where they would gain extensive knowledge and practical experience in digital archiving and preservation.

Those with more than 3 years of experience often develop their technical skills, learning to use digital preservation tools and software, as well as gaining a strong understanding of metadata standards and digital rights management.

Candidates with more than 5 years of experience may be ready for more advanced roles within the digital archiving field.

They may have experience with project management, overseeing the digitization and preservation of large collections, or leading a team of Digital Archive Assistants.

 

Digital Archive Assistant Education and Training Requirements

A Digital Archive Assistant typically requires a bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a related field.

They need to have a sound understanding of metadata standards, database management, and digital preservation techniques.

Experience or familiarity with digital content management systems like DSpace, Fedora, or others could be beneficial.

Most positions require knowledge of archival theory and practices, digital curation, and the ability to manage and organize large volumes of digital content.

Depending upon the specific role, coursework or experience in a relevant discipline such as history, arts, law, or science might be beneficial.

In some cases, employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree in Library and Information Science or Archival Studies.

Certifications like Certified Archivist (CA) or Digital Archives Specialist (DAS) can enhance the skills and employability of a Digital Archive Assistant.

Continuing education and training in evolving digital preservation strategies, standards, and tools are essential to stay current in this rapidly changing field.

 

Digital Archive Assistant Salary Expectations

A Digital Archive Assistant earns an average salary of $41,530 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can vary based on factors such as level of experience, educational background, and location.

 

Digital Archive Assistant Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Digital Archive Assistant need?

Digital Archive Assistants should have a strong attention to detail and excellent organizational skills, as they will be responsible for categorizing and storing various digital assets.

They should also have good computer skills, including proficiency in database management and understanding of file formats.

Knowledge of digital preservation techniques is also beneficial.

Good communication skills are necessary as they may need to coordinate with other departments or assist users in accessing the archives.

 

Do Digital Archive Assistants need a degree?

While it’s not always required, a degree in library science, information science or a related field can be advantageous for a Digital Archive Assistant position.

These courses often cover topics such as digital preservation and cataloging, which are key skills for the role.

Some positions may also require experience with specific software or databases.

 

What should you look for in a Digital Archive Assistant resume?

Look for evidence of strong computer skills and experience with digital file management.

Any experience with archival work, especially in a digital context, is highly valuable.

They should also demonstrate an ability to organize large amounts of information and maintain detailed records.

If the role involves public service, customer service experience is also beneficial.

 

What qualities make a good Digital Archive Assistant?

A good Digital Archive Assistant is meticulous, organized, and comfortable working with digital tools and software.

They are adept at managing and categorizing large volumes of digital files in a systematic way.

Problem-solving skills are also important as they may need to find efficient ways to store and retrieve digital assets.

If the role is client-facing, they should also have good interpersonal skills and be able to assist users in accessing the archives.

 

What are the daily duties of a Digital Archive Assistant?

On a typical day, a Digital Archive Assistant might categorize and store new digital assets, update records in the database, and carry out digital preservation tasks.

They may also answer queries from staff or the public about the digital archives and assist with retrieving specific assets.

Some Digital Archive Assistants may also be involved in digitization projects, converting physical records into digital formats.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved into what it truly means to be a Digital Archive Assistant.

And guess what?

It’s not just about sorting files.

It’s about preserving our digital history, one file at a time.

With our definitive Digital Archive Assistant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to leap forward.

But why limit yourself?

Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your invaluable tool for creating pinpoint-accurate listings or crafting your resume to precision.

Remember:

Every digital file contributes to the greater narrative.

Let’s safeguard that history. Together.

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