Position at Harvard

The following collections conservation position complements the
position of Chief Conservator for Special Collections in the Harvard
University Library and the Harvard College Library, which was
formerly held by Nicholas Pickwoad.  That posting has been delayed
by the search for space for the Harvard University Library
Preservation Center, of which the Special Collections Conservation
Laboratory is a part.  We hope to be able to announce the
availability of the position soon.  --Jan

Chief Collections Conservator in the Harvard College Library

The Chief Collections Conservator in the Harvard College Library is
the principal officer responsible for coordinating and providing
support for collections conservation efforts throughout the eleven
libraries that make up the Harvard College Library.  The Chief
Collections Conservator reports to the Malloy-Rabinowitz
Preservation Librarian, and in collaboration with librarians and
conservation staff throughout the Harvard College Library and staff
in the Harvard University Library Preservation Center, works to
develop and implement conservation programs that ensure the
longevity of the Library's extensive research collections.

Required Education, Experience, Skills

Graduate degree in library science.  A minimum of ten years of
conservation experience, with demonstrated success in the management
of high-throughput work flows, and excellence in the performance of
complex treatments involving a broad range of research library
materials.  Extensive knowledge of the history of book and paper
making, the nature and causes of book and paper deterioration, and
the technologies employed by the commercial library binding
industry.  Strong organizational and supervisory skills, including
the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals; to train,
supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff; to encourage team work and
staff development; to plan, organize, and direct work flow; and to
plan and organize physical space.  Ability to communicate
skillfully, both orally and in writing. Ability to initiate and
adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, to be flexible and
work collaboratively, and to exercise judgment.  Record of
significant contributions to the field of library collections
conservation as evidenced by publications, presentations, and the
delivery of advanced training.  Submission of a portfolio is
required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Management: Hires, trains, and supervises collections conservation
staff working in the Widener Library on materials from the
collections of the ten Harvard College libraries outside Widener.
Sets priorities, plans and directs work flow, and monitors quality
and productivity.  Selects and monitors supplies, tools, and
equipment; and helps to establish and enhance conservation work
spaces in the College libraries outside Widener.  Develops and
tracks budgets, maintains statistics, and prepares reports.  Trains
and assists conservation staff throughout the Harvard College
Library.  Establishes protocols and standards for treatment of
Harvard's general research collections and works to ensure that
these standards are met.  Collaborates with conservation staff
throughout the libraries university-wide to document collections
conservation procedures and to develop conservation training
opportunities for Harvard staff.  Contributes to the development of
preservation policies and guidelines, and to the preparation of
grant proposals and the management of projects.  Maintains
communication with staff throughout the Harvard College Library to
determine priorities, solve problems, and ensure that conservation
services support library objectives.

Technical: Performs a broad range of complex conservation treatments
on materials in the research collections of the Harvard College
Library.  Develops and tests new treatment procedures.  Provides
technical advice regarding handling, exhibition, and storage of
library materials. Provides limited technical support for exhibit
preparation.  Working with staff in the Harvard University Library
Preservation Center, plans and conducts condition surveys and
assessments of general research collections in the Harvard College
Library and develops plans of action based on findings.  Assists in
the organization and implementation of disaster recovery efforts
throughout Harvard's libraries.  Maintains current awareness of
conservation principles and practices as they apply to library and
archives materials.

Institutional Information

The Harvard College Library (HCL) is the largest unit of the
13-million-volume Harvard University Library.  The College libraries
hold more than 8 million volumes.  They include the Widener Library
(over 5 million volumes in humanities and social science), three
undergraduate libraries, six special research libraries, and the
Houghton Library (which holds extensive collections of rare books,
manuscripts, photographs, prints, and other special collections).

To Apply: Submit a letter of application, resume, and the names of
three references to:

    Suz-Ann Olofson
    Assistant Director of Personnel Services;
    Harvard College Library
    Widener 190
    Cambridge, MA  02138.

Applications received on or before December 9 will be given
preference.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:45
                Distributed: Thursday, November 7, 1996
                       Message Id: cdl-10-45-031
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