Preventive Conservation Internship at Library of Congress

["Mark S Roosa" <mroo@xxxxxxx>]

Preventive Conservation Internship
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
Preservation Directorate
Conservation Division

Aim 
To train conservation professionals in the methods of preventive
conservation.

Objectives 
The goal of the internship is to provide an educational opportunity
for conservators seeking training in preventive conservation. Interns
will focus on conservation problems in context and be challenged to
develop practical and theoretical solutions for a broad range of
formats and collections. Interns will learn how to assess collections,
develop conservation strategies, apply preventive treatments, develop
treatment work plans, monitor and manage work in conservation; and
contribute generally to the conservation of library and archival
collections through participation in education and training
initiatives. In addition to practical exercises and projects , interns
will develop their theoretical knowledge in key a conservation areas,
including the selection of materials for treatment, environmental
monitoring and control, the application of micro-environments,
disaster preparedness, response and recovery, program administration,
and the development of strategies for the long-term preservation of
collections.

Description of Program 
The specific areas to be covered during the internship period will be
determined in consultation with the Library of Congress Conservation
Division.  Areas available for concentrated study include, general
conservation assessment, collection condition survey and examination,
collection processing and documentation, collection housing and
housekeeping, treatment, work space and equipment maintenance,
emergency preparedness and disaster recovery, environmental
monitoring, exhibition preparation, integrated pest management,
packing and moving collections, labeling and marking, research, staff
training and user awareness,  consultation, outreach and advocacy, and
preservation 
reformatting.  Additional administrative skills that may be used are
specifications and contracting, fund raising, training and
team-building.  

Criteria for Selection 
Candidates will be selected on the basis of conservation knowledge,
skills and abilities, an active commitment to professional ethics as
stated in the American Institute of Conservation Code of Ethics and
Standards of Practice, effective communication skills and an
understanding of library and archival 
collections. Candidates with academic training in the technology and
chemistry of library and archival materials and experience in
conservation treatment of paper and books will be given preference.

Selection Procedures
The number of interns each year will be determined by the Library. 
At the present time, no funding is available from the Library and
applicants must seek their own funding to cover all related expenses.
The length of internship will be eleven to twelve months following the
U.S. academic year (September through August).  Internships of six
months will also be considered. The application should include a
letter stating goals and interests for this internship, a resume, and
three letters of recommendation from individuals who are familiar with
the applicant's experience in the conservation field.  A personal
interview at a later date will be scheduled with supervisory staff to
review and discuss the applicant's  portfolio.  In the case of
foreign applicants, a portfolio may be submitted by mail and a
telephone interview will be carried out.  Fluent spoken and written
English is a requirement of the internship.

Application Schedule 
For 1999/2000:
Application  due June 30, 1999.
Announcement of selection - August 31, 1999.
Internship begins in January, 2000 for eight months until August,
2000.
In the future, the schedule for applications from 2000/2001 onward
will be:
Application  due January 15th.
Announcement of selection will be made by March 31st.
Internship will begin in September.

To Apply
Please direct letters of application to Mark S. Roosa, Chief,
Conservation 
Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave. S.E.. ,
Washington, D.C. 
20540-4530.  Phone - (202) 707-5634.  Fax - (202) 707-1525.  Please
be sure to 
include your complete mailing address including your phone and fax
numbers, 
with e-mail, if applicable, with your application.