Position at New York Public Library

Collections Care Conservator
The New York Public Library
Technical Services/Barbara Goldsmith Preservation
    Division/Collections Care Unit
New York Public Library

The New York Public Library invites applications for the position of
Collections Care Conservator. This is a position with both hands-on
and managerial responsibilities, including development and oversight
of a repair program for NYPL Research Libraries materials.

The Collections Care Unit is responsible for treatment and housing
of general collections materials; automated creation of protective
enclosures for all Research Libraries materials; collection surveys;
environmental monitoring; integrated pest management; and emergency
preparedness and response.

Under the direction of the Head of Collections Care, manages
conservation treatment, repair, and housing programs within the
Collections Care Unit. Works with curatorial staff in the four NYPL
Research Centers to establish priorities for treatment. Plans and
manages workflow through the Collections Care lab. Determines
appropriate treatments for items routed for repair, boxing or
rehousing, and assigns work to staff. Maintains quality control over
programs managed by the lab. Trains, supervises and evaluates lab
staff. Evaluates work done by the lab, and ensures that treatment
standards and protocols are met. Administers the health and safety
program for the lab. Performs a broad range of conservation
treatments on various types of materials in the general collections,
including mold removal. Participates in managing conservation
projects. Works with the Head of Collections Care and the Field
Service Librarian to develop treatment strategies based on
collection assessments and surveys. Contributes to the development
of preservation policies and guidelines. Provides technical advice
and training regarding handling, storage, selection for treatment,
and treatment of library materials. Leads hands-on training programs
in collections care treatment techniques. Develops and tests new
treatment procedures. Evaluates and makes recommendations on
supplies and equipment used in collections care programs. Selects
and monitors supplies, tools, and equipment; maintains equipment in
working order. Tracks materials, maintains statistics and prepares
reports. Maintains treatment records/systems. Assists in disaster
preparedness and recovery efforts. Maintains Professional Associate
Level (or above) membership in AIC. Position involves some lifting,
operating machinery, and exposure to dust. May manage grant
projects. Performs other duties as required.

Requirements: Master's degree from an accredited graduate training
program in conservation or a related field. ALA-accredited Master's
degree in library and information studies or substantial work
experience in a library environment preferred. Successfully
demonstrated knowledge of conservation theory and practice, with
satisfactory completion of courses in organic, paper, and
conservation chemistry. Professional experience in the conservation
of paper-based materials, as demonstrated by a portfolio.
Successfully demonstrated experience in a wide range of conservation
treatment procedures. Successfully demonstrated supervisory skills,
including the ability to train, supervise, and assess work.
Successfully demonstrated organizational skills, including
experience organizing and managing projects and/or workflow,
preferably in a production setting. Ability to work collegially
across a large, complex, and dynamic organizational setting.
Successfully demonstrated computer skills. Good interpersonal and
oral and written communication skills. Successfully demonstrated
knowledge of the history of books and papermaking, and the problems
and causes of book and paper deterioration. Knowledge of the diverse
preservation problems of a large research library or other major
cultural institution. Knowledge of preservation issues and current
trends at the national and international level.

To apply, please email cover letter and resume to
lsresumes [at] nypl__org.
Refer to job code: LL-CCC. Only candidates selected for further
consideration will be contacted.

E/O/E.

For additional information contact:

    Helga Borck
    Head, Collections Care
    Barbara Goldsmith Preservation Division
    The New York Public Library
    Fifth Avenue and 42nd St.
    New York, NY 10018
    212-930-0854
    Fax: 212-302-5328
    hborck [at] nypl__org


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:29
                Distributed: Thursday, November 30, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-29-027
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