Collections Digitisation Volunteer – Ian Beesley Collection

To start January 2025

This is a 3-month digitisation project, focusing on the Ian Beesley Collection. This project is an opportunity to digitise a significant new acquisition into the archive, as well as to trial new digitisation methods for Bradford District Museums and Galleries (BDMG).

Ian Beesley is an internationally recognised social documentary photographer, who has focused much of his work on the north of England. Originally from Bradford, Beesley followed the decline of industries which had been integral to the north; photographing factories, mills and their workers to honour their professions.

The project will initially run for 3 months with a view to expanding by 6-12 months if successful.

We are recruiting for 2 volunteer roles to work together – 1 digitisation role and 1 cataloguing role. There will be an opportunity to swap between roles, so the individuals will need to be comfortable with all aspects of the work.

Project work:

• Digitisation of photographic prints using a flat bed scanner.
• Using computer software to check scanned images and add metadata.
• Uploading images to our Digital Asset Management (DAMs) database.
• Adding documentation information to the digital record.
• Adding alt text to images for accessibility.

What’s Involved?

Digitisation role

Tasks:

• Using scanning equipment and software to digitise photographic prints.
• Using camera equipment and editing software to digitise negatives and prints.
• Handling of photographic material.
• Using photographic editing software to check digitised images and add metadata

Data entry role

Tasks:

• Downloading and uploading images from external hard drives to cloud based Digital Asset Management system (iBase).
• Batch editing of images.
• Geotagging images.
• Adding alt text and keyword tags.
• Adding description information, Intellectual Property and copyright details on to our DAMs system iBase.
• Cross referencing information from the collections management system (Modes) and the DAMs system (iBase).

Training will be provided in some of these areas, but a good understanding of DAMs systems and digital literacy required.

This is a hands-on role that requires a good level physical dexterity, a high level of attention to detail and concentration, particularly when working on repetitive tasks.

This would be an ideal role for an individual looking for museum digitisation, cataloguing and digital archiving experience.

The right volunteer will need to be able to think creatively and be able to problem solve.

You will receive an induction necessary to the role including full health and safety. All short-listed applicants will be required to attend a short, informal interview.

What’s in it for you?

• Becoming part of a friendly and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful historic environment
• Meeting people and making new friends
• Improving your communication skills
• Enjoying new experiences
• Great personal satisfaction, since you can make a real difference to our collections’ accessibility.

Responsible to:

Photographic Archive Assistant and Volunteer Coordinator

Expenses: out-of-pocket travel costs between home and volunteering place will be offered of £5 per day.

When:  Monday 11am to 3pm.