[PADG:1411] position at UNC- Chapel Hill: Asst. Conservator for Special Collections

[Andrew Hart <ashart@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

*ANNOUNCEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL VACANCY**
UNC Chapel Hill, University Library*

*POSITION:        Assistant Conservator for Special Collections*

*AVAILABLE:      May 1, 2007*

*DESCRIPTION*
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill seeks an energetic, 
collaborative, innovative, and knowledgeable individual for the position 
of Assistant Conservator for Special Collections.

The Special Collections Conservation Lab works collaboratively with 
three special collections in the Wilson Library (the North Carolina 
Collection, Rare Book Collection, and Manuscripts Department), as well 
as the Carolina Digital Library. This position offers an excellent 
opportunity to participate in a well-established program of preventive 
care and treatment for diverse special collections.

The Assistant Conservator will report to the Conservator for Special 
Collections and will work closely with staff throughout the Wilson 
Library.  For more information, please visit:
http://www.lib.unc.edu/wilson/conservation page.html.
 **
*RESPONSIBILITIES*
.     Evaluate books, manuscripts, and other collection materials from 
the Special Collections and carry out conservation treatments at varying 
degrees of complexity.
.     Assess condition and handling needs of materials selected for 
digitization and provide conservation support for digital projects.
.     Organize and implement conservation projects including planning, 
estimating necessary resources, and managing workflow as required to 
meet deadlines.
.     Coordinate the ongoing protective enclosure program for the 
Special Collections.
.     Train and supervise student assistants working in the Conservation 
Lab.
.     Provide support for exhibit planning and installation, including 
consultation on physical or chemical factors that might influence the 
selection of materials, carrying out treatment prior to exhibition, and 
constructing cradles or mounts for installation.
.     Monitor supply and equipment needs; investigate and follow through 
on options to meet them.
.     Oversee the day-to-day running of the Lab in the absence of the 
Conservator.
.     Assist with response to emergencies involving library materials 
from anywhere in the library system.
.     Manage special projects as assigned.

* *
*QUALIFICATIONS* **
*Required:  *ALA-accredited Masters degree, Masters degree from a 
recognized conservation training program, or equivalent training and 
experience; substantive work experience in the conservation of special 
collections materials through employment or internship.  Broad knowledge 
and practical experience in conservation treatment of special 
collections materials, in adherence with the AIC Code of Ethics and 
Guidelines for Practice. Proficiency in a wide range of basic book and 
paper conservation treatment techniques (including bookbinding) and 
highly developed hand skills, as demonstrated by a portfolio for those 
invited to interview.  Demonstrated ability to make well-informed 
decisions regarding complex conservation treatment. Basic knowledge of 
the history of paper, printing, manuscript production, and binding 
(structure and decoration) as related to making treatment decisions. 
Knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of materials used in 
books and manuscripts and an understanding of the causes of their 
deterioration.  Strong commitment to the role conservation plays in 
providing access to special collections materials.**

Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication 
skills, including the ability to train student assistants.  Ability to 
work productively and meet deadlines with minimal supervision. Strong 
analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.  Effective 
organizational skills.**
* *
*Preferred:  *A minimum of two years experience in conservation of 
special collections.  Experience in an academic library. **
* *
*THE UNIVERSITY AND THE LIBRARIES*
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill <http://www.unc.edu/> is 
the country's oldest state university.  UNC Chapel Hill has an 
enrollment of approximately 27,000 students, employs more than 3,100 
faculty, offers 77 doctoral degrees as well as professional degrees in 
dentistry, medicine, pharmacy and law; and the Library collections 
include over 5.7 million volumes.  The Library <http://www.lib.unc.edu/> 
is a member of the Association of Research Libraries 
<http://arl.cni.org/>, the Center for Research Libraries 
<http://wwwcrl.uchicago.edu/>, the Triangle Research Libraries Network 
(TRLN) <http://www.trln.org/> and SOLINET <http://www.solinet.net/>.

The Triangle region <http://triangle.citysearch.com/> is one of the most 
desirable places to live and work in North America and offers its 
residents a wide array of recreational, cultural and intellectual 
activities. The mountains and the seashore are each less than a 
half-day's drive from Chapel Hill.

The University of North Carolina is an equal opportunity employer and is 
strongly committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff.
 **
*SALARY AND BENEFITS*
This is a twelve-month academic librarian appointment; salary is 
commensurate with qualifications and experience. Standard state benefits 
of annual leave, sick leave, and State or optional retirement plan. At 
the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, librarians enjoy the 
benefit of academic status and are represented on the faculty council.

*DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION*
Review of applications will begin on March 19, 2007.  Applications will 
be accepted until the position is filled.
 **
*TO APPLY*
Send a letter of application, a resume, and the names, addresses, and 
telephone numbers of three professional references to:

*Assistant Conservator for Special Collections*
c/o Tiffany Allen, Personnel Librarian
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
CB #3900, 213 Davis Library
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-8890


--
Andrew Hart
Preservation Librarian
CB#3910, Davis Library
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, NC 27514-8890
Tel. 919-962-8047
Fax 919-962-4450
Email: ashart@xxxxxxxxxxxxx