Our mission at Backstage Library Works is to provide high-quality, cost-effective professional services that preserve, organize, describe, and connect you to the world’s knowledge.
URGENTLY HIRING!
POSITION TITLE: Technician, Microfilm Services
DIRECT SUPERVISOR: Project Manager
HOURLY RATE: $15.25 starting wage
LOCATION: Bethlehem, PA
POSITION TYPE: Full-time, non-exempt
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING: Experience desirable, but not required; full training on microfilm standards and associated skills needed to do the job is provided in an extensive 90-day probation and training period with structured production goals.
Job Description
Backstage Library Works is seeking individuals with an interest in preserving cultural heritage to join our team as Microfilm Service Technicians. This entry-level position will be responsible primarily for scanning materials for duplication onto microfilm. This involves an understanding of the specialized microfilm camera equipment, careful handling of fragile and brittle materials, and quality assurance. No other facility in the United States is specifically dedicated to storing print master microfilm, we have a one-of-a-kind approach to creating long-lasting microfilm, and we are confident about the quality of our services and products. We work best when we can share our expertise with clients and work together with them to create a tailored solution for their collection needs.
Compensation & Benefits
This is a full-time position (40 hours per week), or part-time position, schedule permitting. Core hours to be discussed during interviewing. All 8.5 hour shifts include an unpaid half-hour lunch and one paid 20 minute break. Benefits for full-time individuals include accrued paid time off and holiday pay. Medical, dental, and eye care plans are available, and Backstage offers a competitive 401k match.
Primary Responsibilities for Camera Technician
- Understand the basic functions of a microfilm reformatting camera including the ability to independently load and remove 35mm microfilm, set appropriate parameters, and take accurate density readings.
- Carefully handle the fragile and brittle materials to be filmed, including newspapers.
- Film various material formats (books, newspapers, manuscripts, etc.) without damaging client material.
- Follow written project instructions and specifications in order to assure preservation quality microfilm.
Possible Responsibilities for Darkroom
- Cut-down and inspect Archival Masters according to individual job specifications.
- Duplicate and process negative and positive copies of microfilm.
- Cut-down and inspect duplicates in accordance with established preservation guidelines.
- Creating and proofing microfilm box labels.
- Technical inspection of master negative and duplicate films.
- Recording accurate background density readings using a transmission densitometer. Examine the pattern of each reel
- Ensuring the film meets all preservation microfilm and in-house guidelines.
- Follows written project instructions and specifications in order to assure preservation quality microfilm.
- Meets or exceeds in-house production and attendance requirements.
Possible Responsibilities for Quality Assurance
- Inspection of master negative and duplicate films.
- Take accurate background density readings using a transmission densitometer. Examine the pattern of each reel filmed using a microscope.
- Perform a complete frame-by-frame inspection of each reel, which includes identifying: missing pages, irregular pagination, skewing, correct targeting/bibliographic information, scratches, fog, blurred images, gutter shadow, etc.
- Ensuring the film meets all preservation microfilm and in-house guidelines.
- Follows written project instructions and specifications in order to assure preservation quality microfilm.
- Meets or exceeds in-house production and attendance requirements.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Detail oriented
- Able to work with rare and fragile materials in a production environment.
- Able to work in a team environment and have good communication skills
- Able to maintain a production rate as stated in the standards manual.
- Ability to learn or have minimum computer skills
- Work productively and independently while meeting daily production levels
- Learn new skills quickly and thoroughly
- Problem-solving and ability to follow written and verbal instructions with little supervision.
- Ability to work flexible/overtime hours on occasion
- Current employees must be in good standing – meeting or exceeding standards in current position – with at least six-months of continuous employment.
- Must meet requirements for Backstage Library Works and pass a written test.
- Must have valid driver’s license or reliable transportation
Preferred Additional Qualifications & Skills
- College Degree, certificate, or two years production or preservation/reformatting experience
- Microfilm and/or reformatting experience
A background check and drug-screening will be a mandatory part of the hiring process.
Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.
Qualifications will be evaluated with several skill tests and our interview process. If interested, please send a resume and cover letter to moc.wlsb@ylppa
