Sample interview questions: Can you provide an example of a time when you had to advocate for the digitization or online access of special collections materials to improve user access?
Sample answer:
In my previous role as Special Collections Librarian at the University of California, Berkeley, I spearheaded an initiative to digitize and provide online access to a rare and fragile collection of 19th-century California newspapers.
Recognizing the significant research value of these materials but also their vulnerability to degradation, I worked closely with the university’s IT department and external vendors to develop a comprehensive digitization plan. I conducted thorough research on best practices, consulted with experts in preservation, and ensured the integrity of the original artifacts throughout the process.
By successfully advocating for this digitization project, I:
- Improved user access to invaluable historical resources, making them accessible to researchers both locally and globally.
- Preserved and safeguarded fragile materials by reducing the need for physical handling.
- Crea… Read full answer
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_6/Special%20Collections%20Librarian