Lennox AV Preservation Librarian

About the role

The Iowa State University Library is seeking applications for a Lennox AV Preservation Librarian (Librarian I) who will support the library in maintaining long-term access to unique and rare sound recordings and moving image collections. This is a new, full-time term position that is funded by both the Col. Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. endowment and the Lennox Foundation endowment for one year.

As a member of the Preservation department, they will work closely with other members in support of the mission and vision of the division: to provide long-term access to evolving collections and collaborate in the creation of new knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Assist with managing film and audiovisual collection storage.
• Conduct surveys and assessments of AV materials.
• Develop and manage projects for rehousing, inventory, and storage.
• Support environmental monitoring and integrated pest management.
• Collect and report AV preservation statistics.
• Collaborate across library departments to support collection goals.
• Assist with disaster preparedness, salvage, and recovery activities.
• Coordinate and prepare materials for reformatting and digitization projects.
• Perform quality control for in-house and vendor digitization projects.
• Research and recommend preservation specifications for physical and digital AV materials.
• Evaluate and assist with hardware and digitization software.
• Create and maintain appropriate administrative and descriptive metadata.
• Maintain audiovisual studios and equipment, including installation, repairs, and upgrades.
• Recommend preservation formats and long-term storage solutions for digital AV materials.
• Prepare digitized media for access and fulfill reference and research requests.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree.
• Experience with archival audiovisual collections and will provide preservation care, handling, conversion of AV materials to digital formats, and recommending digital preservation and storage practices.
• Ability to interact effectively with library staff and the university community and work collaboratively in a team-based environment.
• Ability to perform physical activities associated with preservation environments which include regular lifting of up to 40lbs. and moving loaded book trucks weighing up to 300 lbs.
• Ability to respond to disaster salvage of library materials and be an active member in fulfilling the land-grant mission of the university by participating in state-level disaster response as needed.

Preferred:

• Experience with digital and analog audiovisual formats, technologies, and standards and best practices for preservation, storage, digitization, playback, and access.
• Previous experience handling and transferring archival film, sound, and video recordings, and working with third-party vendors.
• Ability to operate and perform basic troubleshooting for a variety of AV playback and scanning equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as effectively in a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects of limited scope and complexity.

Benefits

• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans.
• Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans.
• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa).
• Life insurance and long-term disability.
• Flexible Spending Accounts.
• Various voluntary benefits and discounts.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellbeing program.

Pay & schedule

This is a full-time, 12-month term appointment with a proposed end date of January 3, 2028. Pay Grade: PS807.

Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions, offering flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work.

This posting will be open until filled. To receive full consideration, please apply before September 15th, 2026. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.