[PADG:2004] RE: Position at MIT Libraries

[Christine McCarthy <cmc@xxxxxxx>]

**This is a temporary, two-year appointment, with the possibility of 
extension.**

The MIT Libraries is seeking a trained conservation technician to perform 
treatments on special library collections.  The Technician will have the 
unique opportunity to contribute to a newly established conservation 
program and to work in a newly constructed conservation laboratory.  The 
two-year appointment, with the possibility of extension, is an excellent 
opportunity to practice and develop a myriad of conservation skills and to 
gain experience in a dynamic academic library setting.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  Under the general supervision of the Preservation 
Services Librarian, the Conservation Technician carries out a variety of 
conservation treatments for books and paper-based materials from the 
Libraries' archives and special collections.  Treatments, which include 
paper mending, hinging, surface cleaning, encapsulation, construction of 
protective enclosures, and binding repairs, are performed under the 
direction of the Conservator in accordance with established standards and 
procedures.  The Technician prepares appropriate documentation for 
treatment work and maintains the conservation treatment log and other 
required statistics.  S/he assists with laboratory maintenance, collection 
needs assessment, and treatment prioritization, and participates in other 
preservation projects and duties, such as disaster response and recovery, 
as 
assigned. 


QUALIFICATIONS: Required: 2.5 years direct experience.  Post high school 
education can count toward experience.  Bookbinding and book conservation 
skills.  Applicants invited to interview will be asked to bring a portfolio 
of binding and conservation examples.  Must be able to work with light 
solvents and to use standard bookbinding tools and equipment.  Ability to 
work independently and collaboratively in a research library 
setting.  Strong communication, interpersonal, and organizational 
skills.  Familiarity with Windows computing 
applications.  Preferred:  Knowledge of conservation/preservation issues 
and principles. Experience working with rare or unique materials in a 
library, archives, or museum setting.

HOURS:  35 hours per week.  Monday-Friday, between the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 
5:00 p.m.

APPLICATION PROCESS:  Apply online at: http://web.mit.edu/hr; or send copy 
of cover letter and resume to: Robin Deadrick, MIT Libraries, Room 14S-324, 
77 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge MA 02139-4307; or fax an application to: 
617-253-0583. Please note library job number on application - Library Job 
#306.

MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health plans, a dental 
plan, and tuition assistance. The MIT Libraries affords a flexible and 
collegial working environment and provides opportunities for training and 
skill development.

MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community 
and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic 
minority candidates.