Sample interview questions: Have you ever worked on a digitization project for rare books? If yes, could you describe your role and the challenges you faced?
Sample answer:
Yes, I have had the opportunity to work on a digitization project for rare books during my career as a Rare Books Librarian. In this role, my primary responsibility was to oversee the digitization process for a collection of rare books, ensuring that each book was carefully handled and properly photographed or scanned.
One of the main challenges I faced during the digitization project was the delicate nature of the rare books themselves. These books often require special handling due to their age, condition, or unique characteristics. I needed to ensure that the digitization process did not cause any damage to the books, such as stress on bindings or pages, fading of ink, or distortion of images.
To address this challenge, I collaborated closely with a team of preservation specialists and digitization technicians. We developed specific guidelines for handling the rare books, including the use of protective gloves, book cradles, and careful positioning of the books during scanning or photography. Regular training sessions were conducted to ensure everyone involved in the project was well-versed in these guidelines and understood the importance of preserving the books’ integrity.
Another challenge was the variability in book formats and sizes within the rare book collection. Some books were larger or more fragile than others, requiring additional precautions and specialized equipment for digitization. To overcome this, I worked closely with the digitization technicians to select appropriate scanning or photography equipme… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_18/Rare%20Books%20Librarian