Position at Northwestern University

Conservation Librarian
Northwestern University Library

Northwestern University Library announces the search for a new
Conservation Librarian.  We are seeking a professionally trained
conservator with exceptional conservation treatment skills and
excellent managerial skills who will assist in developing new
initiatives for the conservation of special collections.

Description of duties: Under the general supervision of the Head of
the Preservation Department, the Conservation Librarian assumes
primary responsibility for administering the Library's conservation
treatment program for general and special collections materials. The
Conservation Librarian performs a broad range of conservation
treatments, manages the conservation lab, and serves as the primary
Preservation Department liaison on all matters related to
conservation treatment.

Conservation Treatment: Performs conservation treatments on a wide
range of library and archival material, including rare and special
library materials.  Performs circulating collection repairs on a
regular basis in order to actively engage and train conservation lab
staff in general collections repair techniques.  Leads weekly
roundtable discussions of conservation treatments and plans training
sessions for conservation technicians.  Performs a high level of
appropriately documented conservation treatments for special
collections, including rare books, flat paper, and archival
materials.  Identifies and evaluates private conservators for
outsourced treatments as needed.

Conservation Lab Management: Manages the Library's conservation lab;
hires, trains, supervises 2.5 full-time conservation technicians as
well as hourly assistants and interns; develops procedures and
systems for evaluation, treatment, and rehousing of collections;
establishes treatment priorities and monitors workflow; prepares
written planning documents and reports.

Program Management: Develops and implements policies, standards and
procedures for the physical care of Library collections; provides
technical advice on the housing, storage, handling and repair of
both general and special collections; advises special collections
staff on conservation principles and practices; works closely with
librarians and curators of special collections on a wide variety of
single-item conservation treatments; oversees the research,
evaluation and selection of goods and services that impact the
longevity and continued serviceability of all collections; works
closely with the Exhibits Committee in evaluating and preparing
items for exhibit or loan; advises on planning and installation of
exhibits throughout the Library.

Departmental Responsibilities: Assists in managing and developing
the Preservation Department, serving as the Acting Head in the
absence of the Head; actively participates in disaster response
planning and recovery initiatives; consults on technical and service
specifications for commercial binding and mass deacidification;
proposes new services, analyzes resources and implements projects,
including collection surveys and multi-divisional and
multi-institutional grant-funded projects.

Outreach and Training: Designs and presents workshops and training
seminars, offers orientation for new library staff; prepares flyers,
guides and exhibits as needed; presents lectures and tours for the
general public.

Professional Development: Stays current with new developments in the
field of library conservation; conducts research to further Library
and departmental goals; represents the Library at regional, national
and international meetings of conservation professionals.

Qualifications:

Required:  Master's degree from a recognized conservation training
program or equivalent combination of education and relevant
experience. Extensive knowledge of current conservation principles
and practices, materials science, and the history of bookbinding.
Demonstrated ability to perform high quality conservation treatments
on general and special collections materials, primarily book and
paper, and to communicate effectively about treatment options and
decisions.  Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to
submit a portfolio of recent conservation treatments.  Demonstrated
management and supervisory skills and a strong service orientation
are also required.

Preferred:  Five years experience as a conservator in a recognized
research library conservation program, demonstrating increasing
management and supervisory responsibilities. Experience working with
photographs and audiovisual materials.  Experience managing contract
conservation services.

Salary: Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

To Apply: Send a letter of application and resume, including names
of three references to

        Peter J. Devlin
        Personnel Librarian
        Northwestern University Library
        1970 Campus Drive
        Evanston, IL 60208-2300
        library-personnel<-a t->northwestern< . >edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until
position is filled. Northwestern University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. Employment eligibility
verification required upon hire.

Scott W. Devine
Head of Preservation
Northwestern University Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois 60208
847-491-4672
Fax: 847-491-8306


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:44
                Distributed: Saturday, February 23, 2008
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