Volume 23, Number 4
1999

Positions

Collections Conservator (Program Manager)
University of Maryland Libraries

Environment: In a dynamic academic setting, the University of Maryland Libraries is undergoing a major reorganization to better meet the service mission of the Libraries. As part of this reorganization, the Preservation Department has grown to include a collections conservation program and mass deacidification initiative, in addition to ongoing programs in brittle materials response, commercial bindery preparation, reformatting, disaster salvage response, and preservation training and outreach. Members of the Preservation Department are not only responsible for meeting the preservation needs of the six libraries on campus, but participate in a new environment which strives to facilitate organizational communication and foster shared responsibility.

Responsibilities: Under the general direction of the Preservation Department Head, the Collections Conservator manages the work of the Conservation Unit. The Collections Conservator provides professional expertise in determining the proper course of treatment for library and archival materials in need of conservation, trains and supervises staff and students involved in collections conservation activities, executes a wide range of conservation treatments on paper-based library and archival materials, and arranges for other professional conservation services that cannot be accomplished in-house. The Collections Conservator serves as a resource to the College Park Campus.

Qualifications: Required: ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library Science, or advanced degree in conservation of library and archival materials. Experience: A minimum of two years of experience/training as a conservator in a recognized conservation facility. Demonstrated knowledge of the physical and chemical nature of library and archival materials; the history of book and paper making; conservation ethics, principles and practices and their appropriate application; and conservation supplies, tools, equipment, vendors, and current technical standards and specifications. Strong organizational and supervisory skills, including the ability to train and supervise staff and to assess their work; to plan, organize, and direct work flow, and to plan and organize physical space. Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing. Demonstrated ability to work independently and to exercise sound judgement and to effect change. Desirable: Demonstrated professional development and leadership in the field of conservation as evidenced by continuing education, by participation in professional organizations, or by related independent activities or research.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent Benefits.

Applications: For full consideration, submit a cover letter and a resume and names/addresses of three references by December 15, 1999. Applications accepted until the position is filled. Send resume to: Ray Foster, Library Personnel Services, Room #4105, McKeldin Library, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742-7011. You may also fax your resume: (301) 314-9960. For more information about the University of Maryland Libraries, visit our Website at: http://www.lib.umd.edu/UMCP.

THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND LIBRARIES IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. MINORITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Assistant Preservation Librarian
New York University Libraries

Responsibilities: Assists the Head of Preservation in managing the Library's preservation program, including defining needs, establishing goals and objectives; assigning, training, supervising and evaluating allocated staff. Manages the department's commercial binding and reformatting units (includes preservation microfilming, preservation photocopying and digital imaging) and communicates with vendors. Participates in planning and conducting condition and needs assessment surveys, gathers and analyzes statistics, designs and manages databases and assists in grant-writing. Collaborates with bibliographers and selectors to identify and facilitate binding, reformatting and conservation treatment needs; organizes and conducts staff preservation awareness and book handling sessions. Assists in maintaining and updating the Library's disaster plan and in monitoring environmental conditions within the Library.

Qualifications: ALA Accredited MLS, subject master's degree required for tenure. Preference will be given to candidates with a certificate in preservation administration and/or at least two years experience in a preservation department. Broad understanding of the role of preservation in an academic setting and knowledge of emerging trends in preservation and conservation are essential. Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize projects. Experience in digital imaging, computer skills, database management, and vendor negotiation preferred. Supervisory experience required. Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Salary and Benefits: Faculty status, attractive benefits package including five weeks annual vacation. Salary commensurate with experience and background. Minimum: $35,000.

Applications: To ensure consideration, send resume and letter of application, including the name, address and telephone number of three references to: Janet Koztowski, Director, Human Resources, New York University Libraries, 70 Washington Square South, New York, NY 10012. Applications will be considered until the position is filled. NYU ENCOURAGES APPLICATIONS FROM WOMEN AND MEMBERS OF MINORITY GROUPS.

Preservation Program Officer (Grade 56/57)
Harvard University Library Preservation Center

Under the general direction of the Senior Preservation Program Officer in the Harvard University Library Preservation Center, the Preservation Program Officer is part of a dynamic team charged with providing preservation services and advice to the 90 libraries at Harvard. The Preservation Center coordinates and manages a broad range of activities dedicated to strengthening Harvard's capacity to preserve its library holdings.

Required education, experience, skills: Master's degree in library science. Minimum of three years of experience in library preservation or a closely related field.

Background in conservation, microfilming, commercial library binding, and/or preservation education and outreach essential. Familiarity with core literature in library preservation. Record of professional contributions as evidenced by publication, presentation, and/or teaching.

Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals; and to plan, organize, and direct projects. Ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, and to be flexible and work collaboratively. Superb oral and written communication skills, as demonstrated by an ability to prepare clear, well-organized, timely documentation, including reports, guidelines and procedures, and news announcements.

Preferred: Graduate-level training in preservation administration or conservation. Experience preparing grant proposals. Experience working in a research library setting.

Duties and responsibilities: Collaborates with collections librarians, curators, and preservation and technical staff throughout the libraries to assess preservation needs, identify appropriate responses, and assist with their implementation.

Coordinates preservation education activities, including the answering of reference questions from the Harvard library community; preparation of educational materials; and planning and management of conferences, workshops, and small-group training sessions hosted by the Preservation Center for the Harvard library community.

Organizes and maintains the preservation resource collection housed in the Preservation Center, including coordinating selection, purchase, and indexing activities.

Assists with the development of grant proposals to secure support for complex, large-scale preservation initiatives.

Coordinates the preparation of news articles, announcements, and other printed resources disseminated to the Harvard community and beyond.

Maintains the Harvard University Library preservation web site, assisted by a web master-including monitoring writing assignments and editing copy.

With the Chief Collections Conservator, co-coordinates a disaster preparedness and response program for Harvard's library community.

Gathers statistics documenting preservation activities at Harvard. Participates in and manages a variety of special projects.

All applications must be accompanied by one or more writing samples.

The Harvard University Library is committed to its policy of equal opportunity and affirmative action. Employment and advancement are based on merit and ability without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, or status as a disabled or Vietnam-era veteran.

Send cover letter and resume to:

Harvard University Employment Office
Resume Processing Center
Requisition # 2941
11 Holyoke St.
Cambridge, MA 02138
<URL:http://jobs.harvard.edu>

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