AY LITS DiSCO-Tech (WS-ST1)

Job Title: LITS DiSCO-Tech (WS-ST1)

Classification: Student Employee (non-exempt)

Name and Address of Employer: St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Ave, Northfield, MN 55057

If the position requires the student to work off campus, provide the name and address here:

Department Name: Library and IT Services

Unit Number (5 digits): 14115

Length of Position: See Employment Authorization  

Contact Person/Supervisor: Director of Research and Instructional Technology

Wage Range: $12.00-13.00/hour

Description of the Position: (Purpose of the Position): 

The Library and IT Services (LITS) Student Worker, DiSCO-Tech, is an academic, experiential position based in research, creative production, problem solving, and customer service. DiSCO-Techs will work and learn under the supervision of a team of librarians and technologists to support the innovative application, development, and adoption of existing and emerging technologies within the St Olaf community. 

DiSCO-Tech student workers are responsible for maintaining and providing quality service through the Digital Scholarship Center at St. Olaf (DiSCO) spaces, on the 4th floor of Rolvaag Library.

Work will vary widely, but will always be anchored by our Literacies Framework. 

At the DiSCO your tasks may include conducting research,  producing multimedia content (e.g. short videos, podcasts, posters, animations), developing online learning materials and documentation, exploring emerging technologies (AR/VR, AI, UX-Design) in various contexts, creating digital objects (maps and data visualizations, exhibits and websites) and related work. 

This job will provide you with knowledge and experience in the fields of Librarianship and Instructional Technology. In addition to the DiSCO spaces, you’ll gain familiarity with all IT and Library services, how they work together, and how they impact the college mission. 

Beginning DiSCO Techs will learn from a team of returning DiSCO students and a Full Time Staff Supervisor. Over the course of your first year, students will learn foundational skills in Design Thinking, the creative process, Media and Visual Literacy, and the ability to support students in basic applications. During your first year you’ll also actively participate in training and development and create a portfolio of your DiSCO-related work.

Transferable Skills: 

• Research and Library Technology

• Web Design

• Video and Audio Production

• ArcGIS/Storymaps

• Graphic Design

• Professionalism

• Teamwork

• Communication

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Staffing the service desks in the DiSCO and responding to patron requests

• Keeping all areas clean and well-organized, including the computer tables, classrooms, recording spaces, and other workspaces

• Maintaining a strong customer service focus and work-ethic

• Embrace a mindset of creative, critical, and curious making to complete DiSCO training and project assignments.

• Creating promotional materials for the DiSCO that highlight events, student, staff, and faculty work produced in the DiSCO 

• Documenting technical workflows and processes for internal and external use

• Maintain the technology and tools in the DiSCO under the direction of experienced DiSCO students or staff supervisor

• Creating and maintaining a personal online portfolio of work related to your DiSCO responsibilities

• Attend all required meetings with Supervisor and Team as needed.

Qualifications: (Education/Experience/Skills) 

Strong Interest in one or more of the technical areas below, as well as an aptitude and interest in learning new creative technologies and skills 

• 3D Modeling, 3D printing, or Animation

• Audio and video recording and editing (Cameras and sound equipment, Audacity, Garageband, iMovie, Adobe Premiere, Davinci Resolve)

• Data manipulation, programming (Javascript, Python, and R)

• Data visualization or digital storytelling (tableau, infographics, motion graphics)

• Generative AI - experience with different gen AI tools in a variety of areas (data analysis, text editing, media creation, process optimization)

• GIS and mapping (ArcGIS, Google Earth) 

• Graphic design and image manipulation (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Express) 

• Social Media (content creation, short form video, marketing)

• Wordpress web publishing, ArcGIS Storymaps, or similar online exhibition or storytelling tools 

• Desire to provide education, training or support to people with varying levels of technical expertise. 

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team 

Physical and Environmental Factors:

This position requires crouching, stooping, twisting/pivoting, reaching overhead, grasping/handling, pushing/pulling, lifting objects up to 50 lbs., repetitive motions, operating hand tools, and operating equipment or machinery to perform the essential functions. It also requires exposure to loud noise and proximity hazards, as well as rare exposure to respiratory factors, chemicals, vibrations, extreme cold, extreme heat, and heights or cramped quarters to perform the essential functions. Protective equipment is required to perform some essential functions. Candidates must possess the ability to safely perform the physical work required of all duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

This job description is for general information purposes.  It is not intended to list all duties and responsibilities of the position.  This job description is subject to change at any time by St. Olaf College, with or without prior notice.