Digitization Assistant (Archives)
- Program stream:
- Young Canada Works in Heritage Organizations
- Job title:
- Digitization Assistant (Archives)
- Organization name:
- Vaughan Memorial Library Special Collections & Esther Clark Wright Archives, Acadia University
- Job location:
- Wolfville, Nova Scotia
- Length of assignment:
- 2026-06-29 to 2026-08-21 (8 weeks)
- Hourly wage:
- $16.50
The Vaughan Memorial Library’s Esther Clark Wright Archives at Acadia University is seeking a Digitization Assistant to support a Young Canada Works–funded archival digitization project focused on the records of the Acadia Ladies’ Seminary (ALS).
The ALS archival materials document the administration, curriculum, student life, and social environment of one of Atlantic Canada’s most significant early women’s educational institutions. This project builds on previous digitization initiatives by focusing on unpublished archival records that provide essential context for understanding ALS calendars and student publications already available online.
Working under the supervision of Archives staff, the successful candidate will gain hands-on experience with archival digitization workflows, including the handling, description, and contextualization of unique and fragile materials.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under supervision, the Digitization Assistant will:
• review the ALS finding aid and assist in identifying a defined and prioritized selection of archival records for digitization;
• safely handle and prepare unique and fragile archival materials for digitization;
• digitize selected archival records using established preservation standards;
• create preservation-quality digital master files and appropriate access copies;
• create descriptive and contextual metadata consistent with archival practices;
• conduct quality control checks to ensure accuracy, completeness, and consistency;
• assist with the organization and upload of digitized archival materials to Acadia University’s digital repository (Islandora);
• support basic documentation related to workflows and project tracking.
Learning Outcomes
Through this position, the student will gain:
• experience working with unpublished archival records;
• familiarity with archival digitization standards and best practices;
• introductory experience applying archival description and contextual metadata;
• experience working within a digital archival repository;
• insight into archival decision-making, preservation, and phased digitization planning.
Required Qualifications
• Must meet the eligibility requirements of the Young Canada Works program;
• Enrolled in or recently graduated from a post-secondary program in a relevant field (e.g., History, Women’s and Gender Studies, Education, Archival Studies, Library and Information Studies, Museum Studies, or a related discipline);
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills;
• Basic computer literacy and comfort working with digital files;
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under supervision.
Assets
• Previous experience or coursework related to archives, libraries, museums, or heritage institutions;
• Familiarity with digitization or working with historical materials;
• Interest in women’s history, history of education, or archival practice.
Employment Details
• Duration: 2026-06-29 to 2026-08-21 (8 weeks)
• Hours: Full-time (25 hours per week)
• Wage: $16.50/hour
• Location: Vaughan Memorial Library, Acadia University (on site)
Equity Statement
Acadia University is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable working and learning environment. Applications are encouraged from Indigenous peoples; African Canadians and African Nova Scotians; persons with disabilities; racialized persons; women; persons of any minority sexuality, gender identity, or gender expression; and all intersections of these identities.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter by email prior to the application deadline: Friday, May 1, 2026.
Attention: Catherine Fancy, Archives Coordinator
Email: catherine.fancy@acadiau.ca
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