Position at Boston Athenaeum

Chief Conservator
Boston Athenaeum

The Boston Athenaeum is an independent library founded in 1807 with
over half a million volumes of circulating books and rare materials,
a print and photography collection and an extensive fine art
collection.  The Athenaeum is seeking to appoint a new Chief
Conservator who will lead the conservation staff into the
state-of-the-art conservation laboratory newly created in its
renovated building.

The Chief Conservator is responsible for establishing and
implementing preservation policies and managing a comprehensive
conservation program for the Boston Athenaeum. He or she reports to
the Head of Technical Services and works closely with the Director
and Librarian and fellow senior members of the staff.

Major Responsibilities: With the staff of the Conservation
Department, conduct and/or oversee condition surveys, develop
specifications for in-house and external treatments, and oversee the
preparation of materials for reformatting, plan and oversee workflow
with members of the conservation staff.  Supervise and review work
of conservation department staff members and interns.  Supervise
implementation of the Library's Preservation Plan and update it as
appropriate.  Establish an internship program within the department
and explore the possibility of training volunteers.  Work closely
with the Director and Librarian, Director of Development, and
Friends of Conservation to identify funding needs and opportunities;
participate in presentations and grant writing.

Other Responsibilities: As time permits, perform and document
appropriate conservation treatments for the maintenance and
preservation of the library collections Develop and oversee
departmental budget.  Monitor the Library's disaster preparedness:
update the Disaster Plan as conditions warrant; lead the Disaster
Recovery Team; and monitor library conditions with particular
attention to possible water leaks and pests.  Coordinate
preservation/conservation educational sessions for staff and readers
Participate in professional meetings and contribute to the scholarly
literature.  Oversee and encourage the professional development of
members of the Conservation Department.  Serve on staff committees
where preservation/conservation considerations are needed.  Help
coordinate conservation and exhibition needs with curators, and
oversee and implement safe exhibition and art handling practices.
Participate in the team that monitors the climate control system.

Requirements and Qualifications: Master's degree in conservation or
equivalent experience.  10 years' experience in a conservation
laboratory, with managerial experience strongly preferred. Extensive
knowledge of bookbinding, paper conservation, and history of the
book.  Extensive knowledge of current library conservation standards
and treatments and of library conservation laboratory equipment.
Participation in professional activities, with publications
preferred. Experience writing grant proposals preferred. Familiarity
with climate-control systems preferred.  Strong managerial,
communication, and organizational skills.  Ability to motivate and
lead one's colleagues and to represent conservation policies and
needs to a broad community.

Position available:  Summer 2002
Benefits: 15 days paid vacation, 13 paid holidays, medical, dental,
TIAA/CREF
Salary:  Commensurate with experience.
Application review will continue until the position is filled

Send or Fax: resume, cover letter to

    Ruth Jolliffe, Associate Director
    Boston Athenaeum
    10 1/2 Beacon Street
    Boston MA 02108-3777
    Fax: 617-227-5266.

The Athenaeum is an AA/EOE.  More information at
<URL:http://www.bostonathenaeum.org>.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:59
               Distributed: Wednesday, February 27, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-59-032
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