Volume 7, Number 6
Dec 1983

Positions Open

PAPER CONSERVATOR
National Bark Service, Harper's Ferry

The National Bark Service's Division of Conservation needs a paper conservator at its central lab which serves the entire park system. Wide ranging experience in the various areas of paper conservation is desirable. This is a permanent position, 32 hours per week, at the GS-9, 11 or 12 level, depending on qualifications.

The position will involve conducting condition surveys, contract reviews and on-site inspections of collections, as well as complete conservation treatments. Incumbent will join a staff of 11 specialists and will work with a total staff of 150 in a rural area close to Baltimore and Washington.

Contact James Brendle, Personnel Officer, Harpers Ferry Center, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (304/535-6371, x6589) or John Demer, Chief, Division of Conservation (x6228).

BOOK CONSERVATOR
University of California, Berkeley

The Conservation Department of the General Library is seeking a book conservator to help develop and implement a progress to conserve the Library's book collections. Duties include a) conservation treatment of rare (and some non-rare) books of all periods, with an emphasis on 17th- 19th century imprints; b) part-time teaching and supervision of conservation technicians assigned to assist with book conservation projects; c) preparation of manuals of specifications and procedures; and d) participation in the development of a program for conservation of artifactually significant books.

A graduate degree in library/book conservation or equivalent training is required. Preference will be given to applicants with experience beyond initial training, including teaching, supervision, and preparation of reports and manuals. Strong technical and organizational skills are desirable for adapting equipment and techniques to the needs of large collections requiring treatment. A full job description will be mailed on request.

Salary in the $12,000-$25,O00 range, depending on qualifications. Send resume, with names and addresses of at least three professional references, by 31 March 1984, to William E. Wenz, Library Personnel Officer, Room 447 General Library, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720.

PRESERVATION INTERN
New York Public Library, Conservation Division

This position, funded by a grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, is temporary for the duration of the funding (12 months, including 4-week vacation). It is available January 3, 1984.

Eligibility Requirements: Graduation from an accredited library school. Supplemental training in preservation administration and/or expertise in executing conservation procedures and techniques, as demonstrated by previous relevant work experience or successful completion of a formal program in the conservation of research library materials. Familiarity with one or more foreign languages desirable. Familiarity with statistical analysis, sampling techniques, and systems analysis desirable. Work experience in a research library desirable. Applicants should have demonstrated leadership potential, initiative, promise and interest in the area of library administration, and the ability to work independently under general guidelines. Demonstrated communication skills required.

General Description: Under the general direction of the Chief of the Conservation Division and working with other administrative staff within the Library, the Intern will undergo a period of general orientation in the administration of the collection management and preservation programs of The Research Libraries. Upon completion of the orientation period, the Intern will help plan and carry out a specific preservation project or projects. Attends meetings as appropriate; participates in workshops and staff training programs as required. Upon completion of the 11-month training period the Intern will submit a written report evaluating the training experience.

Salary: $22,630.

Send letter of application and resume to Francine Feurman, Personnel Representative, New York Public Library, Personnel Office, 12 B. 41st St., Fifth Floor, New York, NY 10017.

BOOK CONSERVATOR
New York Public Library, Custom Binding & Restoration Div.

Eligibility Requirements: Undergraduate degree required, MA or MLS desirable. Advanced training in conservation and minimum of 4 years professional experience in book conservation required. A thorough working knowledge of conservation procedures and demonstrated skills as a craftsperson required. Knowledge of the preservation problems of a large research library desirable. Detailed knowledge of book structures and restoration procedures required. Good oral and written communication skills and the ability to motivate and impart knowledge to others are required.

General Description: Under the supervision of the Head of the Custom Binding and Restoration Office, directs the treatment of bound library materials including items in rare or special collections, pre-1850 imprints, and other bound materials requiring special treatment or handling. Works with staff to determine appropriate methods and materials to be used in binding, rebinding, repair or restoration and other standard conservation procedures. Performs a wide variety of treatment and restoration tasks on bound materials. Monitors schedules for special projects, exhibits and routine work quotas. Assists in planning and conducting staff training and in arranging workshops and seminars. Assists in administrative responsibilities of the Custom Binding and Restoration Office. Performs related duties as required.

Salary: Open.

Send letter of application and resume to Francine Feurman, Personnel Representative, New York Public Library, Personnel Office, 12 E. 41st St., 5th Floor, New York, NY 10017.

HAND BOOKBINDER
University of Alabama

The Institute for the Book Arts in the Graduate School of Library Service of the University of Alabama is seeking a hand bookbinder with both edition binding and restoration experience who is willing to relocate in Tuscaloosa. The Institute will generate a minimum of $10,000 in commissions during the first year for a half-time commitment divided between binding and teaching. Collaboration may lead to a full-time permanent position with the Institute.

Write: Gabriel Rummonds, P.O. Box 6242, University, AL 354 86.

BOOKBINDER
Yale University Library

Description: Under the general direction of the Head, Conservation Division, performs a variety of tasks related to the conservation of books and paper, rare books, and of research materials.

1. Disbinds, binds, repairs and/or restores bindings of all types. Makes protective cases, pamphlet bindings and boxes.
2. Treats paper by cleaning, washing, deacidifying, heat-setting, mending, sizing and mounting. May do mylar encapsulation, leaf-casting and enzyme treatment.
3. Works with and maintains tools and equipment used for bookbinding such as hand tools, book presses, board shears, guillotine, sewing machine and environmental monitors.
4. Works with chemicals needed in conservation.
5. Keeps records of work performed.
6. May participate in workshops and the training of others in binding/conservation techniques.
7. Performs additional duties as required.

Qualifications:

1. Three to five years of training with an experienced bookbinder.
2. Thorough understanding of the fundamentals, techniques and history of bookbinding.
3. Knowledge of all current paper and book conservation techniques.
4. Great manual dexterity and patience with detailed work.

Salary: $14,450

Application Deadline: December 30, 1983

To apply, send resume listing three references to Diane Y. Turner, Yale University Library, Box 1603A Yale Station, New Haven, CT 06520.

SENIOR CONSERVATOR SPECIALIZING IN BOOK CONSERVATION
Wellcome Institute for the History of Medicine, London

The applicant should have at least five to seven years active book conservation experience since completing a suitable apprenticeship, traineeship or formal course of training. A background emphasis on book conservation/fine bookbinding is preferred with additional knowledge of the conservation treatment of archival and photographic materials, prints and drawings.

The Wellcome Institute has a modern, well-equipped laboratory. Benefits include noncontributory pension scheme, 5 weeks annual leave, etc. Salary £9242-.£12346. Apply in writing with career details & names of 2 referees to Mrs. N.L. Phillipson, Wellcome Inst. for the History of Medicine, 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BP, UK.

PAPER CONSERVATION INTERNS
Intermuseum Laboratory, Oberlin, Ohio

One graduate conservation internship in paper conservation is available commencing September, 1984. Applications are encouraged from individuals of recognized conservation programs who are now planning their third-year intern- ships.

Graduates of conservation programs and individuals with equivalent apprenticeship experience are invited to apply for the Intermuseum Conservation Association's Advanced Mellon Internship in paper conservation. Post-graduates who are interested in gaining practical conservation experience in a professional laboratory will find this an invaluable opportunity.

Application deadline: February 1, 1984. For brochure listing materials to submit with application, write or call Caroli I. Asia, Administrative Director, Intermuseum Laboratory, Allen Art Building, Oberlin, OH 44074 (216/ 775-7331 or 775-8455).