Image Archivist Onboarding Checklist

Image Archivist Onboarding Process

Are you looking for help setting up a staff orientation process so that when your new Image Archivist starts their role, they can learn about their responsibilities and your company as quickly as possible? Whether you’re keen to use buddy onboarding, want to automate your Library onboarding experience or just need an onboarding checklist for your new Image Archivist, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together a sample Image Archivist onboarding checklist below and have created onboarding templates & resources to help.

Image Archivist Onboarding Checklist

1. Orientation: The new image archivist attends an orientation session to familiarize themselves with the company’s mission, values, and organizational structure. This task is typically performed by the HR department or a designated onboarding specialist.

2. Introduction to the Library’s Collection: The new image archivist is introduced to the library’s collection, including its various formats, subjects, and special collections. This task is usually performed by a senior image archivist or a librarian responsible for the collection.

3. Familiarization with Image Archiving Systems: The new image archivist receives training on the library’s image archiving systems, including the software used for cataloging, metadata management, and digital preservation. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated systems administrator.

4. Understanding Copyright and Intellectual Property: The new image archivist undergoes training on copyright laws, fair use, and intellectual property rights to ensure compliance when handling and providing access to copyrighted materials. This task is usually performed by a legal department representative or a librarian with expertise in copyright.

5. Preservation Techniques: The new image archivist learns about preservation techniques specific to images, such as proper handling, storage, and digitization methods. This task is typically performed by a senior image archivist or a preservation specialist.

6. Metadata Creation and Management: The new image archivist receives training on creating and managing metadata for images, including descriptive, administrative, and technical metadata. This task is usually performed by a senior image archivist or a metadata librarian.

7. Digitization Processes: The new image archivist is trained on the library’s digitization processes, including scanning equipment, image resolution standards, and quality control procedures. This task is typically performed by a digitization specialist or a senior image archivist.

8. Reference and Research Services: The new image archivist learns about the library’s reference and research services, including how to assist patrons in locating and accessing images from the collection. This task is usually performed by a reference librarian or a senior image archivist.

9. Collaboration with Other Departments: The new image archivist is introduced to other departments within the library, such as cataloging, acquisitions, and outreach, to understand how their work intersects and collaborates with these teams. This task is typically performed by a department head or a designated liaison.

10. Professional Development Opportunities: The new image archivist is informed about professional development opportunities, such as conferences, workshops, and webinars, to enhance their skills and stay updated with industry trends. This task is usually performed by a supervisor or a professional development coordinator.

11. Performance Expectations and Evaluation: The new image archivist receives clear performance expectations and is informed about the evaluation process, including periodic reviews and goal-setting. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a human resources representative.

12. Introduction to Library Policies and Procedures: The new image archivist is provided with an overview of the library’s policies and procedures, including those related to image access, circulation, and interlibrary loan. This task is usually performed by a librarian responsible for policy management or a department head.

13. Building Relationships with Colleagues: The new image archivist is encouraged to network and build relationships with colleagues across different departments to foster collaboration and a sense of community within the organization. This task is typically performed by a supervisor or a designated mentor.

14. Familiarization with Library Software and Tools: The new image archivist is trained on the library’s software and tools used for administrative tasks, communication, and project management, such as library management systems, email clients, and collaboration platforms. This task is typically performed by the IT department or a designated systems administrator.

15. Understanding Collection Development: The new image archivist learns about the library’s collection development policies and procedures, including how new images are acquired, evaluated, and added to the collection. This task is usually performed by a collection development librarian or a department head.

16. Emergency Preparedness: The new image archivist receives training on emergency preparedness protocols, including disaster recovery plans, fire safety, and handling emergencies related to the library’s physical and digital collections. This task is typically performed by a safety officer or a designated emergency response team.

17. Introduction to Library Ethics and Professional Standards: The new image archivist is educated on library ethics and professional standards, including confidentiality, privacy, and the importance of maintaining professional integrity. This task is usually performed by a librarian responsible for ethics training or a department head.

18. Access and Security Protocols: The new image archivist is trained on access and security protocols for the library’s image collection, including user authentication, restricted materials, and handling sensitive information. This task is typically performed by a security officer or a designated access control team.

19. Understanding Interlibrary Loan Services: The new image archivist learns about the library’s interlibrary loan services, including how to request and provide images to other libraries and institutions. This task is usually performed by an interlibrary loan librarian or a senior image archivist.

20. Continuous Learning and Professional Growth: The new image archivist is encouraged to engage in continuous learning and professional growth by attending workshops, webinars, and pursuing relevant certifications or advanced degrees. This task is typically supported by a supervisor or a professional development coordinator

Setting Up Your Employee Onboarding Process

From reading through the items in the example Image Archivist checklist above, you’ll now have an idea of how you can apply best practices to getting your new Image Archivist up to speed and working well in your Library team. Scroll up to see the link to our onboarding templates & resources or get in touch to discuss getting help setting up your systems and processes in this area.