Apprenticeship at University of Iowa

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.

The University of Iowa Libraries: The University of Iowa Library
system consists of the Main Library (including the Information
Arcade) and 11 departmental libraries (Art, Music, Business, and the
Sciences), the largest of which is Hardin Library for the Health
Sciences. With some 3 million volumes, the collections of the UI
Libraries is ranked 29 out of 107 in the Association of Research
Libraries. The University is a member of the Research Libraries
Group, OCLC, and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC).
Library staff members are actively engaged in national cooperative
efforts. The University of Iowa Libraries makes use of a NOTIS-based
automated system called OASIS. The Libraries provides a program of
support for professional development activities.

Program: This apprenticeship is practical, bench-oriented training
in bookbinding, and book and paper conservation. Instruction in the
theory and background of conservation work will be covered through
readings, discussions and research assignments. Typically an
apprentice will work a forty-hour week under the supervision of the
Conservator, Preservation Librarian, or an advanced apprentice on
projects designed to provide varied experience and serve the
Libraries' conservation needs. At the same time, the Conservator
will direct reading assignments, research projects, and design and
oversee execution of limited edition bindings for the University of
Iowa Center for the Book.

Conservation Department: The Conservation Department of the
University of Iowa Libraries, under the direction of University
Conservator Pamela Spitzmueller, provides conservation services for
the collections of the University Libraries, chiefly materials from
the Department of Special Collections and other rare book
repositories on the Iowa campus. The Department also assists the
Book Repair Unit, which provides preservation services to the
circulating collections under the direction of the Preservation
Librarian. The Conservation Department is affiliated with the
University of Iowa Center for the Book and the School of Art and Art
History.

Facility: The apprenticeship provides basic bindery equipment and a
workbench for each trainee. Washing sink, drying racks, fume hood,
Minter sonic welder, and a book suction machine are available along
with some analytical facilities. The Oakdale Papermaking and
Research Facility, under the direction of Timothy Barrett, may be
used for more in-depth paper testing and research.

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.

                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 10:90
                  Distributed: Tuesday, April 22, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-10-90-025
                                  ***