Position at Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH)

Paper Conservator
Abu Dhabi Authority for Heritage and Culture

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) is the
institution in charge of conserving and promoting the culture and
heritage of Abu Dhabi. It was established in October 2005, as an
organ of the Government of Abu Dhabi, with the vision to make Abu
Dhabi the cultural centre of the region while promoting national
culture and identity.

The National Library, as a part of the Abu Dhabi Authority for
Culture and Heritage (ADACH), possesses a collection of Islamic
manuscripts and rare books. The National Library's manuscripts
collection contains approx. 4000 titles, the oldest manuscripts date
back to the 1300s while the majority in the collection is 300 to 400
years old. Among the frequent challenges for this magnificent
collection are damages caused by insects, the extreme climate and
poor storage conditions and the connected issues of preventive
conservation.

In the coming years, the relocation of the whole institution of
ADACH into a new building is planned, a process in which the
Conservation Department will be involved consulting with curators on
the most appropriate methods and materials for moving, storing and
exhibiting collections in a new purpose-built facility. ADACH
currently houses a new Paper Conservation Laboratory, which is
equipped according to the newest standards.

Paper Conservator

ADACH is seeking a qualified experienced paper conservator to
undertake long-term preservation- and conservation work on its rare
books and manuscripts collection.

The following accountabilities are required:

    Establishing preservation and conservation priorities and
    treatment strategies for the rare books and manuscripts
    collection in a team with other conservators and curators.

    Establishing and maintaining the optimal state of preservation
    for the collection, which includes undertaking preventative
    measures like climate control, Integrated Pest Management and
    emergency planning, and improving and maintaining the physical
    storage and display of the collection.

    Carrying out condition surveys, and undertaking and documenting
    sustainable, hand-on conservation treatments on the rare books
    and manuscripts.

    Training of a Paper Conservation Assistant and of library staff
    and supervising possible out-sourcing of conservation projects.

    Consulting with curators on the most appropriate methods and
    materials for moving, storing and exhibiting the rare books and
    manuscripts collection in a new facility.

Skills, Qualification and Experiences required:

    Academic qualification (graduate level) in the field of paper
    conservation.

    Minimum 3 years of work experience in the profession (library,
    museum, archive) and recent practical hands-on experience.
    Working-experience in a museum context is an advantage.

    Good spoken and written English skills.

    Good computer skills (esp. Microsoft Office applications).

He/she should demonstrate the ability to work independently
according to the international accepted code of ethics in this
profession in a complex organization; to communicate effectively
with people; and to have skills in problem solving/ decision making
and planning/ organizing.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should send applications,
including resume, at least one peer supporting letter, and three
references to be contacted by June 30, 2009 to the

    Paper Conservator Committee
    Attention: Ms. Fabienne Meyer
    Department of Conservation
    Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage - ADACH
    PO Box 2380
    Abu Dhabi
    UAE
    +971 2 621 2192
    Fax: +971 2 621 2186
    conservation-recruitment<-at->adach<.>ae

Please include 'Paper Conservator' in the subject line.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 23:2
                  Distributed: Thursday, May 28, 2009
                        Message Id: cdl-23-2-031
                                  ***