Volume 21, Number 1
May 1997

Positions

Apprenticeship in Book Conservation
The University of Iowa Libraries

Position Description: The Apprenticeship in Book Conservation is designed to offer training and extensive experience to highly motivated individuals in the field of book and library conservation. One apprentice position is available, to begin in the Summer of 1997. Over a period of up to four years (depending on existing skills), the program guides an apprentice from beginning bookbinding through progressively more difficult binding techniques and conservation practices in a library setting, until s/he is well versed in a wide range of conservation activities as well as bookbinding skills. The objective is to prepare a participant to function as a book conservator in libraries, regional centers, archives or private practice.

Qualifications: A bachelor's degree is required. Evidence of problem solving ability, manual dexterity, concern for history, creativity and curiosity, and a serious interest in book conservation as a profession. A test of manual dexterity may be requested. An interview in Iowa City is required.

Salary and Appointment: The apprentice is appointed as a "Book Arts Technical Trainee" (University of Iowa personnel classification category FL5200). Compensation is a stipend of $18,000.00 per year with certain adjustments for inflation. Apprentices will, if appointed for at least one year, qualify for the University's health and dental insurance programs and will receive vacation and sick leave. An apprentice enters the program on a six-month probationary status.

Application Procedures: Applicants must provide a personal statement of approximately 1000 words describing their interests and goals in relation to book conservation; a resume of previous experience and education; the names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references; a portfolio containing slides of binding, conservation, or creative work, and an example of written research work. Applications should be sent to Janice Simmons-Welburn, Coordinator, Personnel & Diversity Programs, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, IA 52242-1420. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

Internship in Paper Conservation
New York Botanical Garden

The New York Botanical Garden Library offers two six-month internships in paper conservation, the first beginning on October 1, 1997; the second on April 1, 1998. These positions, the Kress Foundation Internships in Paper Conservation, will provide experience working with the Library's Botanical Art and Illustration Collection. Working under the supervision of the Garden's Conservation Librarian, the intern will assist with a conservation survey of the collection, stabilization, preservation, and rehousing procedures, carry out an independent research project, and prepare a final report on the project.

Candidates must be currently enrolled in, or a graduate of, a recognized program in paper, art, or book conservation. These six-month, full-time positions (35 hours per weeks) offer a stipend of $447.00 per week. There are no fringe benefits, but there will be an allowance of $250.00 to be used during the period of the internship for appropriate outside professional development . On-site interview preferred. Applicants may apply for either internship. They should send a detailed letter of application, a current resume, and three letters of recommendation to: Judith Reed, Conservation Librarian, The New York Botanical Garden Library, Bronx, NY 10458.

Deadline for receipt of a complete application is Monday, June 30, 1997. Notification of the successful applicant will be sent by August 30, 1997.

Preservation Specialist
Museum of Modern Art Library

The Museum of Modern Art Library is seeking an individual to plan, organize and implement a preservation program. Responsibilities include preparation of condition surveys, coordinating treatment by outside conservators, training and oversight of in-house mending, and development of disaster plan. Successful candidate will be expected to keep abreast of new preservation technologies and to assist with grant-writing. Specialist will work with Librarians and Archivists to establish priorities for treatment.

Candidates should have degree from recognized preservation or conservation graduate program and at least two years of experience in library or archival preservation program. Salary $29K plus excellent benefits package including 4 weeks of vacation. Send resume along with cover letter to Human Resource Manager or fax to 212/333-1107.

Book Conservator
University of North Texas

The University of North Texas Libraries has an opening for a book conservator with a background in paper conservation and a proven ability to manage people.

Responsibilities: Provide conservation treatment of rare and unique materials in the Rare Book and Texana Collections, Archives Collection, and Music Collection, including but not limited to: paper treatment, document repair, binding, and binding restoration. Assist in reformatting decisions, planning, program development, staff and intern training, and supervision. Work with trained individuals, in the departments involved, to determine treatment methods, schedule of treatment, and responsibility for treatment. Also is responsible for maintaining in usable condition the circulating and reference collections of the University of North Texas Libraries. This responsibility requires the application of sound, independent judgement, using acceptable ethical standards in a collection-wide approach to hands-on book conservation training and supervision, sorting material for treatment, setting treatment standards and production levels, and ordering and maintaining appropriate tools and materials. Supervises one full-time assistant and several student assistants.

Qualifications: Requirements: BA degree in art history, English, chemistry, or related field, or equivalency; graduation from an accredited conservation program and two years of experience in book or manuscript conservation or five years of extensive experience in book or manuscript conservation; advanced knowledge of hand-bookbinding techniques and history; demonstrated verbal and written communications skills; supervisory experience. Preferred Qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited graduate program; strong analytical skills; flexibility; ability to work effectively with staff at all levels and with many different backgrounds. Rank: Librarian I or II; 12-month renewal appointment; minimum salary $26,000, with final salary dependent on experience; state or optional retirement plans, standard benefits. Starting date: September 1, 1996. Search Committee Chair: Lou Ann Bradley.

The University of North Texas is a state-assisted, comprehensive doctoral granting institution located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. UNT, with a student enrollment of over 25,000, is the fourth-largest university in the state. The UNT Libraries have total collections of over 1.6 million, a full-time staff of 105, and an operating budget of over six million dollars.

Screening of applications will begin on August 1, 1996 and continue until the position is filled. Application: Applicants should submit a letter of application, vita, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references to: Lou Ann Bradley, Book Conservator Search Committee Chair, c/o Library Administrative Offices, University of North Texas, UNT Box 5188, Denton, Texas 76203-0188.

The University of North Texas is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer and encourages applications of women, minorities, handicapped persons, and Vietnam-era veterans.

Preservation Intern
Columbia University Libraries

This is a temporary 12-month internship funded by a grant from the Mellon Foundation to support research-library preservation programs nationally. The intern will report to the Director for Preservation and will spend time in each Preservation Division unit. Responsibilities will include surveying the condition of a branch library collection, assessing current preservation procedures and need, monitoring the environmental conditions, assisting in the preparation of a grant proposal, and other related special projects. The intern will have the opportunity to participate in planning sessions, policy discussions, and other library-wide preservation activities.

In addition to an accredited MLS, requirements are knowledge of preservation and conservation practices and techniques, as demonstrated through previous relevant experience and/or successful completion of a formal program in the preservation of research library materials.

Salary minimum (to increase 7/1/97) is currently $33,500. Excellent benefits include assistance with University housing and tuition exemption for self and family.

Send resume, listing names, addresses and phone numbers of three references, to: Jane Hunt, Human Resources Office, Box 35 Butler Library, Columbia University, 535 West 114th Street, New York, NY 10027. Cover letter must specify job #97-13. Internship begins August 1, 1997; applications received by June 30, 1997 will receive preferential consideration. An affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Technician
Northeast Document Conservation Center & Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site

The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC), together with the Frederick Law Olmsted National Historic Site (National Park Service) is again seeking a technician to inventory, treat and house a very large group of architectural drawings and plans. The technician will be an employee of NEDCC but will work at the Springfield, Massachusetts, laboratory of the Olmsted National Historic Site.

The position will begin in August or September of 1997 and will run for one year. After the first year there is an excellent possibility of renewal. Because an initial period of training will be necessary, the successful candidate will be expected to remain on the job for a year. The salary will be in the mid-20s with excellent benefits including health insurance and a small stipend for professional development.

This is an entry level position but preference will be given to applicants with experience in the treatment or handling of archival collections. The position is suitable for persons seeking conservation experience prior to entering a graduate conservation program.

To apply, send a letter of intent, a resume and the names of three references to Mary Todd Glaser, NEDCC, 100 Brickstone Square, Andover, MA 01810. Questions about the position should be addressed to the Olmsted site: Wendy Gogel at 617/566-1689, ext. 233, or Jill Crook at 413/746-3933.

1997-98 Paper Conservation Internship
The Pierpont Morgan Library

Pending funding, the Pierpont Morgan Library will be offering a paid, nine-month, full-time internship in paper conservation, beginning in September 1997. The internship will provide experience working with conservation problems from the Morgan's unique collection. Application is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are associated with recognized conservation programs or have comparable apprentice training. Interested candidates should send a short description of interests, with curriculum vitae and 2 or more letters of recommendation to The Pierpont Morgan Library, Attention: Mrs. Patricia Reyes, Mellon Conservator, 29 East 36th St., New York, NY 10016.

Selection will be made in June 1997.

Assistant Conservator
Columbia University Libraries

The Assistant Conservator will perform sophisticated conservation treatments on all types of rare and valuable ancient, medieval, and modern bound and loose library materials (primarily paper-based) in accordance with current professional conservation ethics and treatment procedures. The incumbent will carry out environmental monitoring; and will assist with surveying and assessing the conservation needs of special collections, disaster recovery, evaluation of conservation supplies and equipment, preparation of materials for exhibit, and other programs and activities relating to the preservation of the Libraries' collections. The position reports to the Head of Conservation.

Requirements: Graduate degree in conservation of books and/or archival library materials, and/or equivalent training and experience (e.g. formal apprenticeship); one year postgraduate professional conservation experience in an internship, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience, preferably in a research library or similar institution; knowledge of current conservation theory and ethics, chemistry, environmental monitoring, and history of the book. Demonstrated treatment skills with a variety of treatments, binding, and repair techniques required. Effective written and verbal communication skills essential. Ability to work independently and to work well with staff at all levels required. Computer skills desirable. Preference will be given to candidates with an accredited MLS degree.

Salary minimum (to increase 7/1/97) is currently $33,500. Excellent benefits include assistance with University housing and tuition exemption for self and family.

Send resume, listing names, addresses and phone numbers of three references, to: Jane Hunt, Human Resources Office, Box 35 Butler Library, Columbia University, 535 West 114th Street, New York, NY 10027. Cover letter must specify job #97-12. Applications received by June 30, 1997 will receive preferential consideration.

Columbia University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.