Sample interview questions: Can you share an example of a time when you had to develop or revise policies related to the digitization or online access of special collections materials?
Sample answer:
During my tenure as Special Collections Librarian at the University of California, Berkeley, I led a comprehensive review and revision of the institution’s digitization policies for rare and fragile materials.
Needs Assessment and Stakeholder Engagement:
Recognizing the need for updated policies, I initiated a thorough needs assessment, eliciting input from curators, archivists, conservators, and researchers. Through surveys and focus groups, I identified gaps and inconsistencies in existing guidelines, and gathered perspectives on best practices.
Policy Development and Implementation:
Informed by the needs assessment, I drafted a revised policy outlining the institution’s approach to digitization and online access of special collections materials. Key principles included:
- Preservation first: Prioritizing the preservation of original materials while enabling digital access.
- Collaborative decision-making: Engaging a diverse team of experts to determine digitization suitability.
Source: https://hireabo.com/job/18_0_6/Special%20Collections%20Librarian