Careers @ MSU

Working/Functional Title

Digital Accessibility & Imaging Asst.

Position Summary

Join MSU Libraries' Digital Imaging Services unit as a digital accessibility and imaging assistant! We’re seeking a detail-oriented professional to enhance how we create and deliver accessible digital content. You’ll work with both established digitization practices and explore emerging AI and machine learning technologies to improve access to knowledge. Manage projects that convert scanned materials into fully accessible resources while investigating new AI-powered solutions. This position offers the chance to contribute to digital inclusion in academic libraries while working with modern tools and a collaborative team committed to universal access.

Reporting to the Head of Digital Imaging Services, the successful candidate will exercise independent judgment and demonstrate meticulous attention to detail to produce high-quality, accessible digital content that aligns with established accessibility standards and stakeholder expectations. We seek a collaborative team member who is enthusiastic about learning and contributing to the evolution of our digitization and accessibility practices, leveraging both traditional techniques and emerging technologies.

Characteristics Duties and Responsibilities 
•    Operate planetary, flatbed, and slide scanners, including handling rare and fragile materials with preservation care.
•    Enhance and optimize images using Adobe Photoshop and AI-based tools.
•    Review and certify quality of scanned materials; implement corrections as needed.
•    Produce accessible PDFs and alternative formats using ABBYY FineReader, Adobe Acrobat, and AI tools.
•    Monitor and update workflows to meet current accessibility standards.
•    Test and apply AI tools for alt-text, tagging, and document structure recognition.
•    Collaborate with technical teams to improve AI-based workflows and reduce manual remediation.
•    Pilot and evaluate new AI technologies for potential integration.
•    Lead digitization projects from planning to delivery, incorporating AI where applicable.
•    Document workflows and create training materials reflecting accessibility and AI practices.
•    Train and supervise student assistants; manage scheduling and payroll.
•    Partner with IT and accessibility staff to align projects with broader libraries initiatives.

The MSU Libraries Strategic Plan guides our current and future work. The candidate will collaborate with campus partners to help develop a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

Minimum Requirements

Knowledge equivalent to that which normally would be acquired by completing a four-year college degree program; one to three years of related and progressively more responsible or expansive work experience in an office setting; experience with database, spreadsheet, word processing, library automation system support and web page design; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Requires recent experience in an academic library.

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to collaborate well with others and help to foster a welcoming environment
• Experience with digitization equipment, image editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Acrobat), and accessibility tools (ABBYY FineReader or similar OCR software), with demonstrated ability to learn new technologies quickly
• Understanding of digital accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508, PDF/UA, ADA Title II) and experience creating structured, accessible documents, with interest in exploring AI-powered accessibility solutions
• Proven ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously, manage timelines and deliverables, and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail for quality control work, ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently, and curiosity about emerging technologies including machine learning applications in digital libraries
• Demonstrated success in supervising and training student workers or similar roles, with excellent communication skills and ability to create clear documentation and instructional materials

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Application Materials

Interested applicants should provide a cover letter, resume, and three references (2 must be present/past supervisors). 

Work Hours

STANDARD 8-5

Website

http://lib.msu.edu

Bidding eligibility ends November 11, 2025, 11:55 PM