Position at Princeton

Princeton University Libraries
Princeton, New Jersey
Position:   Rare Books Conservator

Available:  Summer-Fall 1996.  Note: This position has temporary
funding for a maximum of five years.  It is anticipated that
permanent funding will be established before that time.

Description:    Responsible for the physical care and conservation
treatment of rare books and bound manuscripts in the special
collections of the Princeton University Libraries.  These materials
are characterized by rarity, uniqueness, and complex technical
problems.  Performs all aspects of book conservation designed to
preserve their historical, artifactual, and intrinsic value,
including: disbinding; aqueous and non-aqueous treatments; mending;
sewing; board attachment and endband construction; covering and
repairing all styles including paper, cloth, leather, vellum, and
alum-tawed materials; enclosure fabrication; as well as examination,
specification, and written and photographic documentation of
treatments.  Establishes preservation and conservation priorities
and treatment strategies for these materials in association with the
Preservation Librarian, Special Collections Conservation unit head,
and rare books and special collections curators; carries out
condition surveys and needs assessments; develops and manages
large-scale treatment projects of rare book, manuscript and visual
materials collections; participates in exhibit preparation
activities as necessary; monitors environments of book storage
areas; may establish a point system to coordinate rare books
treatment time among various curatorial constituencies.  Reports
directly to the Special Collections Conservation unit head.

Qualifications: Required:  Bachelor's degree or equivalent
experience through employment.  Advanced training in rare book
conservation through an accredited graduate degree or equivalent
certificate program, or formal apprenticeship.  Additionally, a
minimum of five years professional experience in rare book
conservation in a special collections, archives, rare books, or
research library setting. Understanding of the principles of book
conservation, history of book structure, binding techniques, and
materials science.  Demonstrated knowledge of western binding before
1600 as well as Coptic and Islamic binding techniques.  Demonstrated
ability to work on a wide range of rare book collections in a
complex organization and to communicate effectively with people.
Ability to work with peers as part of a team is essential, as is the
ability to work independently and to plan and structure one's own
treatments according to a schedule.  Experience in coordinating
conservation activities among several constituencies.  Desirable:
Supervisory experience. Familiarity with operating Macintosh
computers.

An applicant who is chosen for an interview must present a portfolio
of successful rare book conservation treatments, including
documentation materials.

Benefits: Twenty-four (24) vacation days a year, plus eleven (11)
paid holidays.  Annuity program (TIAA/CREF), group life insurance,
health coverage insurance, and disability insurance, all paid for by
the University.

Salary & Rank: Dependent upon qualifications and experience.

To ensure full consideration, candidates should send applications,
including resume and the names, titles, addresses and phone numbers
of three references to be contacted, postmarked by May 1, 1995 to:

    Search Committee for Rare Books Conservator
    c/o Maria G. Gopel, Human Resources Librarian
    Princeton University Libraries
    One Washington Road
    Princeton, New Jersey   08544

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 9:55
                Distributed: Wednesday, January 17, 1996
                        Message Id: cdl-9-55-018
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