The University of Michigan (U-M) Library is one of the world’s largest academic research libraries and serves a vibrant university community that is home to 19 schools and colleges, 100 top ten graduate programs, and has annual research expenditures approaching $1.5 billion a year. To enable the university’s world-changing work and to serve the public good, the library collects, preserves, and shares the scholarly and cultural record in all existing and emerging forms, and leads the reinvention of the academic research library in the digital age.
The Technology and Media Production Specialist will be responsible for the stewardship of two technology spaces in the Library’s Shapiro Design Lab: the Workshop, a makerspace-like environment with various hands-on learning tools, and the Media Production rooms, which include basic audio, video, and graphic design hardware and software.
Stewardship of these spaces will include day-to-day maintenance of the spaces and tools; supervision of students who serve as front-line support; providing access to students, staff, and faculty through online management systems (LibCal and Canvas).
The library is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourages all employees to fully incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work and towards the fulfillment of the library's mission.
Reporting Structure
The Technology and Media Production Specialist reports to the Director of the Shapiro Design Lab, which is within the Connected Scholarship department in the Learning and Teaching division of the University of Michigan Library. The Shapiro Design Lab is an ever-evolving experimental space in the Library focused on creating peer- and engaged-learning opportunities and experiences across research, artistic, and teaching projects. Learning and Teaching advances next century literacies, guides learning, and inspires curiosity through its programs and partnerships. Connected Scholarship maximizes the impact of the library and empowers learners at all levels by building sustainable, ethical, and mutually transformative relationships between people, collections, methods, and knowledge.
NOTE: This position will be a full-time, 2 year term-limited appointment with the possibility of renewal.
Responsibilities*
Steward the spaces, technologies, and services of the Design Lab Workshop and Media Production rooms
Recruit, schedule, train, and supervise design lab student staff
Provide consultation, basic support/instruction, and maintenance on the various equipment and services of the Workshop and Media Production rooms
In consultation with the Digital Scholarship Strategist, explore the intentional usage of the Workshop and Media Production Room for the emerging Digital Scholarship community at the University of Michigan
Assist with managing equipment and supply budgets in collaboration with Director to support programming, technology, and staffing
Work with Library Operations to coordinate access to the Workshop and Media Production rooms via the Library’s room management software
Oversee and update the design lab’s online training course in the Canvas Learning Management System, which provides online orientation and training modules for students, staff, and faculty wishing to use the Workshop and Media Production Room
Provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for students, faculty, and others to experiment with technologies and tools in the design lab
Required Qualifications*
Bachelor's degree or combination of education and equivalent experience
Demonstrated experience overseeing technology in an educational environment, including but not limited to the development of makerspace and media production environments
Experience with supervising teams to achieve shared program goals
Experience documenting workflows and developing training materials
Demonstrated strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills and proficiency in written communication skills
Demonstrated ability to balance multiple priorities in a deadline-driven environment
Demonstrated attention to detail and organizational skills
Ability to understand diverse perspectives and acknowledge the significance of differences and complexities in background, cultures, values and viewpoints as the foundation for an inclusive environment
Desired Qualifications*
Ability to navigate a complex information environment, both within the Library and other partners/stakeholders on campus
Experience supervising undergraduate and graduate students in a technology and consultation-based environment
Experience providing consultation and basic instruction including but not limited to: 3D printing, letterpress, vinyl cutters, soldering irons, sewing machines, audio recording/editing,and basic video production
Understanding of and experience with digital scholarship tools and methods
Additional Information
The University of Michigan offers excellent benefits and wellness opportunities.
This position receives 12 days of vacation a year and paid sick leave with provisions for extended benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development and travel. TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments retirement options available.
Application Deadline
Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.
Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and continue until the position is filled.
U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.