Position at Yale

Conservation Assistant III
Preservation Department/Conservation Laboratory
Yale University Library
Rank: Level E

Full-Time 37.5 hours/week
Permanent position

The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching
and research at the University, has more than 12 million volumes
housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and 22 school and
departmental libraries. It employs a dynamic and innovative staff of
nearly 600 FTE who have the opportunity to work with the highest
caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees and are
involved in other areas of staff development. A full spectrum of
library resources, from rare books and manuscripts to rapidly
expanding network of electronic resources, constitutes one of Yale's
distinctive strengths. The Library is engaged in numerous digital
initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly
information. Yale is a member of the Program for Cooperative
Cataloging and contributes to the NACO and BIBCO Programs. For
additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit
the Library's Web site at: <URL:http://www.library.yale.edu/>.

The Yale University Library's Conservation Laboratory is one unit
within the Preservation Department and is responsible for item level
treatment and housing of rare and special materials. In addition to
treatment, the lab provides support for exhibits and consults and
provides leadership Library-wide on conservation issues such as the
safe care and handling of non-circulating collections, emergency
response and recovery, and provides information to the public on
conservation practices at Yale University Library.

Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Chief Conservator or
Assistant Chief Conservator, performs a variety of tasks related to
the conservation of books and other library materials from Yale's
rare and special collections including repairing library materials
by returning them to a usable condition while retaining as much of
the original information as possible; disbinding, binding,
repairing, and conserving bindings; treating and protecting paper by
dry cleaning, washing de-acidifying, tissue mending, tape removal,
encapsulation, matting and mounting; proposing appropriate treatment
methods, based on established treatment protocols, giving time
estimates and documenting treatments performed; assisting in
determining appropriate treatments and repairs, and independently
carrying them out according to specified standards.

The Conservation Assistant may use a limited range of chemicals to
perform specific treatments when necessary, following appropriate
safety measures; handle highly complex conservation tasks that
require knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques and tools and
use skills and abilities to adapt techniques and knowledge to solve
unique problems. He/She will be expected to track personal work
statistics via electronic spreadsheets; maintaining accurate records
of object status throughout accession, treatment and return.
Responsibilities also include making protective enclosures,
including phase boxes, clamshell boxes, portfolios and mats, as well
as to help maintain equipment.

The Conservation Assistant is expected to keep current in
bookbinding and conservation techniques by reading and attending
lectures/workshops.  He/She may assist in preparation of library
materials for exhibition, in training staff and may take lead
responsibilities, including overseeing and coordinating projects or
work processes and assist with disaster recovery operations
following standard recovery procedures.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree and two years of directly relevant
experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques and history
of bookbinding, paper treatment and conservation.  A portfolio of
relevant work is required. Excellent manual dexterity and sustained
concentration with delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks. Good
communication and interpersonal skills. Effective organizational
skills.  Basic computer skills including word processing and use of
spreadsheets. An ability to push a fully loaded book truck, lift
boxes up to 30 lbs and to move pallets of board or other oversized
supplies, using a hand truck is required. References must indicate
reliable attendance and punctuality, accuracy, attention to detail
and diligent performance. Experience in directing the work of others
is preferred.

Salary and Benefits: Offer is contingent on the successful
completion of a background check. Full benefits package can be
viewed at:

    <URL:http://www.yale.edu/
        hronline/placement/ext/cleric_tech_benefits.html>

    **** Moderator's comments: The above URL has been wrapped for
    email. There should be no newline.

Interested applicants are advised to complete the on-line job
application at: <URL:https://apps.business.yale.edu/oja/index.jsp>

For more information, please contact

    Sharon Tarascio
    Human Resources Coordinator
    203-432-1810
    sharon.tarascio [at] yale__edu

Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

Gisela Noack
Chief Conservator
Yale University Library
PO Box 208240
New Haven CT 06520-8240
203-432-1710
Fax: 203-432-9900


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:23
                Distributed: Wednesday, November 1, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-23-008
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