Part-time Positions in Pres

[Janice C Mohlhenrich <jmohlhe@xxxxxxxxx>]

Hi All,

We have a vacancy in a .50 FTE position in our conservation lab, and are
reviewing the position prior to posting it.  I'd really appreciate the
benefit of your experience in reviewing this position.  We've had a
difficult time matching the right employee with this position, and I don't
know if that means that we're hiring the wrong people, or if the job is
wrong.

Since making the same mistakes over and over is tedious, I'm hoping that
by taking a hard look at the job, and at our training program, I can get
better results.  Your help would be appreciated.

The position is a non-exempt, 20 hour per week Preservation Specialist.
We ask for experience in specialized conservation treatments on library
materials, especially proficiency in working with leather.

Minimum qualifications:  Bachelor's degree in a related field.  Two years
related experience.  May require computer skills, special skills, or
proficiency in a foreign language.

Other qualifications:  Requires some relevant experience in book repair,
conservation or bookbinding facility.  Prefer experience in bookbinding,
leather and paper conservation techniques; strong training skills.
Demonstrated superior manual dexterity skills and ability to perform
delicate, exacting tasks with a high level of productivity.  

Key duties:  Performs a range of conservation treatments for books,
paper-based items and other materials in the general and special
collections of Emory libraries.  Treatments include leather rebacking,
hinge repair using dyed Japanese tissues, hollow-back, and other book
repair; peper repair, ultrasonic encapsulation; construction of protective
enclosures for fragile or special items; construction of supports for
exhibits; and other similar treatments.


Questions for you:

Do you have similar part-time positions?  

If so, have you had difficulty in filling these positions?

What kind of training program do you provide?

Do you attempt to hire someone with these skills, or hire a good person
and provide the necessary training for the skills you want?  

How long is the initial training period?

What productivity benchmarks have you established?


Thanks for your consideration of these many questions.  If you'd like to
discuss this matter in depth, please contact me directly either via email
at jmohlhe@xxxxxxxxx, or by telephone at 404-727-2437.

Thank you,

Janice Mohlhenrich
Coordinator, Preservation Initatives & Services
Emory University Libraries