At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to digitise and preserve iconic sound recordings for future generations.
- Company: Be part of the British Library, a world-renowned institution dedicated to preserving knowledge.
- Benefits: Enjoy a fixed-term contract with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by safeguarding cultural heritage while working in a creative environment.
- Qualifications: A relevant degree or equivalent experience in audio archiving is essential.
- Other info: This role offers hands-on experience with cutting-edge audio technologies.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Full time, Fixed Term Contract for 1 Year (1 April 2015 to 31 March 2016). We have four vacancies for Preservation Audio Engineers to support the safeguarding of the British Library's recorded sound collections as part of a large-scale preservation programme.
Main tasks will include:
- Producing digital transfers of sound recordings from endangered media in the British Library's collections to internationally agreed standards and according to agreed targets.
- Creating technical metadata relating to digital audio files.
- Assessing and quality checking digital transfers and related metadata.
- Managing digital files held on networked storage.
- Logging digitisation work carried out and providing progress reports.
Candidates will have a relevant degree-level qualification or equivalent experience in a professional audio archive, be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of and familiarity with audio recording, playback and transfer technologies, and have an in-depth knowledge of both obsolete sound carriers and contemporary digital formats.
Applicants will have proven experience in:
- Using digital audio workstations.
- Creating metadata relating to digital audio resources.
- Strong IT skills and an ability to assess the quality of audio recordings by listening.
Knowledge and understanding of theories, tools and processes relating to digital preservation and experience in working with metadata formats and standards such as MARC21, RDA, XML, and METS are desirable.
Preservation Audio Engineer positions at British Library employer: International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
Contact Detail:
International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preservation Audio Engineer positions at British Library
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific audio technologies mentioned in the job description. Understanding the nuances of both obsolete sound carriers and contemporary digital formats will give you an edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the audio preservation field. Attend relevant workshops or webinars to connect with others who work in audio archiving, as they may provide insights or even referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with digital audio workstations and metadata creation in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of projects you've worked on that demonstrate your skills and knowledge.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and standards in digital preservation. Being knowledgeable about current practices and tools will show your commitment to the field and your readiness to contribute effectively.
We think you need these skills to ace Preservation Audio Engineer positions at British Library
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Preservation Audio Engineer. Familiarise yourself with the British Library's preservation programme and the specific tasks involved in safeguarding recorded sound collections.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight your relevant qualifications and experience in audio engineering. Emphasise your familiarity with audio recording technologies, digital audio workstations, and any experience you have with metadata formats like MARC21 or XML.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for audio preservation and your understanding of the challenges involved. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in quality checking audio recordings and managing digital files.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with digital audio workstations and the specific technologies you've used. Highlight any projects where you successfully produced digital transfers or created technical metadata, as this will demonstrate your hands-on expertise.
✨Understand the Preservation Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the theories and processes of digital preservation. Be ready to talk about obsolete sound carriers and contemporary digital formats, as well as any relevant standards like MARC21 or XML. This knowledge will show your commitment to the role.
✨Prepare for Quality Assessment Questions
Expect questions on how you assess the quality of audio recordings. Think of examples where you identified issues in audio quality and how you resolved them. This will illustrate your critical listening skills and attention to detail.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
Since managing digital files and logging digitisation work is part of the job, be ready to discuss your organisational strategies. Share examples of how you've managed large volumes of data or maintained progress reports in previous roles.