Job Description

The Digital Initiatives unit of Special Collections is seeking 2-4 students to support digital accessibility, born-digital archives, and the Oral History Program. Tasks may include handwriting or audio transcription. Students should be able to read cursive handwriting proficiently and have strong writing and communication skills. Students may be required to assist with reformatting, document editing, metadata, uploading, or other tasks within the Digital Initiatives workflows to support these areas. Some work will require the student to conduct research and verification of names, places, and events. In addition, the position may require the use of text analysis or AI tools for metadata key terms and abstract writing. Collection topics are focused on our Libraries collecting initiatives, particularly USF Archives, Florida Studies, and the Florida Environment and Natural History collections. Duties may require the use of Microsoft Office Suite and various transcription software, a project management database, and audio editing software so students should feel comfortable moving between computer technologies.

Schedule

• 20 hours per week.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Transcribe handwritten materials, including cursive documents.
• Transcribe audio recordings.
• Reformat and edit digital documents.
• Create and maintain metadata for digital collections.
• Upload and manage digital content within Digital Initiatives workflows.
• Conduct research to verify names, places, and events.
• Use text analysis and AI tools to generate metadata keywords and write abstracts.
• Work with collections related to USF Archives, Florida Studies, and Florida Environment and Natural History.
• Utilize Microsoft Office Suite to complete assigned projects.
• Use transcription software to support digitization and accessibility efforts.
• Work with project management databases to track and manage workflows.
• Use audio editing software as needed for oral history and digital collection projects.
• Adapt to and work across a variety of digital tools and technologies.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Be a current USF Student.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with cursive writing.
• Strong writing & communication skills.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.