Next-Generation SEI GLAM Skills Research Fellowship Opportunity

Position Summary

The Next-Generation GLAM Skills Research Fellow will conduct comprehensive research on the evolving digital and data skills needed within the GLAM sector, with particular attention to the impact of artificial intelligence and emerging socio-technological practices. The fellow will investigate critical areas including visual materials digital collections development, management, and instructional methodologies to identify how these practices are transforming in response to new technologies. Through analysis of current trends and identification of skills gaps, the fellow will develop strategic recommendations that will directly inform and enhance future curriculum development for SEI's program. This research will specifically address how these developments can better serve diverse communities and visual materials collections, ensuring inclusive practices are centered in next-generation approaches to digital stewardship.

Fellowship Details

Duration: 6 months

• Compensation: $3,000 total fellowship stipend

• Work arrangement: Flexible schedule and remote with regular online check-ins

• Travel requirements: None

• Accommodations: We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable all qualified individuals to apply for and complete this fellowship

Responsibilities

Review current approaches to digital stewardship education and training

• Research emerging digital skills and trends needs in the GLAM sector related to visual materials

• Examine and analyze how technological changes are affecting visual digital collections practices associated with collection development, management, and visual materials instruction

• Identify key competencies needed by professionals managing and teaching with visual materials digital collections

• Consider ethical dimensions of digital collections work in curriculum development

• Develop recommendations for SEI curriculum updates based on findings

• Prepare a comprehensive report documenting the research process and outcomes

• Present findings to the SEI Team, VRA, ARLIS/NA, and potentially with other audiences interested in visual digital collections stewardship, e.g., foundations and philanthropic groups, professional association communities

Qualifications

While we've outlined our ideal qualifications, we encourage all interested candidates to apply. If you're enthusiastic about this role but don't meet every requirement, please still consider applying. Research shows that many qualified candidates often hesitate to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria. We value different perspectives and believe your unique skills and experiences may be a great fit for our team.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited academic program

• Minimum of 2 years professional experience working directly with digital collections

• Demonstrated understanding of digital preservation, metadata standards, collection management systems, and/or teaching with digital collections

• Familiarity with emerging technology implications in cultural heritage contexts

• Proven analytical and research skills

• Strong written communication ability, with experience producing comprehensive reports used for decision making

Desired Knowledge and Expertise

Understanding of the socio-technical dimensions of digital collections work, including how technology adoption shapes and is shaped by organizational cultures, workflows, and user communities

• Knowledge of ethical frameworks for digital collections development and management, particularly regarding culturally sensitive materials, indigenous knowledge, and historically marginalized communities

• Experience with or interest in critical approaches to metadata creation that acknowledge power dynamics in description and classification

• Awareness of accessibility considerations in digital collections interfaces and instructional materials

• Familiarity with responsible AI principles and practices as they relate to cultural heritage collections

• Interest in the intersection of community engagement practices and digital collections stewardship

• Ability to consider both technical infrastructure needs and social impacts when evaluating digital strategies

Application Materials

To apply for this position, please submit the following:

1. Complete the electronic application form

2. Contact information for 2 professional references

3. Please submit a statement of interests (700 words maximum) addressing your motivations for applying to this fellowship, your experience with digital collections, your understanding of GLAM sector challenges and opportunities, how this fellowship aligns with your professional goals, and the unique contributions you would bring to the position.

4. Current CV or Resume. Accepted file formats: PDF or Word Document

5. Sample Works: Please submit 1 Work Sample that demonstrates your skills and experience relevant to this fellowship. Accepted file formats: PDF or Word Document. Your Work Sample should be accompanied by a brief description (100 words maximum) explaining your role and the project's relevance to this fellowship. Examples of sample works include: Research Papers; Published Works; White Papers; Implementation Plans for Digital Initiatives; Grant Proposals for Digital Initiatives; Lesson Plans Relevant to Teaching with Digital Collections; Digital Collections Training Materials; or other types of works.

All materials must be submitted through our online application system by July 31, 2025. Incomplete applications will not be considered.