Managing Editor, Berg Fashion Library
Berg Publishers is an Oxford-based academic publisher specialising in fashion studies and design. We are developing The Berg Fashion Library (BFL), a fully cross-searchable major online portal offering library customers access to a range of content modules on a pick and mix basis.
The online edition of the 10-volume Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion (www.bergfashionlibrary.com), the first module to be available within the BFL portal, will be launched in mid-2010. Underpinned by a specially-created taxonomy, the Berg Encyclopedia of World Dress and Fashion Online will provide comprehensive and in-depth coverage of all aspects of fashion and dress globally, from pre-history to the present day. It will include over 3,000 images plus many value added features, such as links to Berg journals and other key sources of information.
Future modules under consideration for the BFL include the following:
- The full text of an expanding range of Berg books and journals in this area
- A regularly updated dictionary of key terms
- A regularly updated subject discovery database - covering journal articles, industry literature, books and images - enabling users to locate relevant content with ease through a comprehensive taxonomy, and to gain access to the full text via Open URLs wherever possible
- An image bank with thumbnails indexed in the database that link through to enhanced content – likely in be in partnership with major museums
- Specially-created materials through which key museums can be visited ‘virtually’ – for example videos of curators introducing major exhibitions and collections
The Berg Fashion Library is seeking a Managing Editor
Reporting directly to the Managing Director for the Berg Fashion Library, the Managing Editor will serve as a liaison for content providers and in-house staff for this exciting integrated online resource. As we are creating the BFL from scratch, the role provides an excellent opportunity to help shape a discipline and build a resource serving a community of users for generations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic
- Serve as overall liaison amongst other Berg departments on the BFL’s development
- In association with the BFL Board, advise on the structure, scope and content of the BFL and on any requirements relating to software systems or the taxonomic structure
Content Classification
- Write Guidelines for (field) indexers and work with Berg’s Production Department over style issues
- Identify, recruit, train, and manage freelance academic indexers and subject area specialists and assign content based on area of expertise
- Vet new additions to index; standardize and fact-check to ensure accuracy of citations
- Index books, journal articles (Berg and other) and images provided by partners
Content Development
- Monitor the content management system moving forward to ensure it responds to requirements as they arise
- Help to develop BFL glossary and dictionary (in association with academic specialists) and integrate with other content
Requirements
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Eye for detail
- Good people skills
- BA or advanced degree in humanities or social science discipline
The ideal candidate will have experience of indexing / cataloguing (or classification structures generally) as well as project management. A knowledge of dress studies or the arts is an advantage, as is training in librarianship or database systems. Languages a plus. Salary commensurate with experience. Although Oxford-based, Berg is a flexible employer, and due to various stakeholders' locations, this role might equally suit someone London-based. (Only successful candidates will be contacted.)
To apply please send covering letter stating current salary along with your CV by post or email to:
Kathryn Earle
Managing Director
Berg Publishers
First Floor, 81 St Clements Street
Oxford OX4 1AW
Closing Date: 29 August 2008