Position at Harvard

James W. Needham Chief Conservator for Special Collections in the
Harvard University Library and Harvard College Library
Salary Grade 59   ($49,300 - $83,900)

The James W. Needham Chief Conservator for Special Collections is
responsible for developing a dynamic conservation program for the
care and treatment of the extensive rare book, manuscript, and
photograph collections held in Harvard's libraries and archives. The
incumbent manages a laboratory in the Harvard University Library
Preservation Center that is dedicated solely to the conservation of
special collections and that serves all of the libraries at Harvard.
The James W. Needham Chief Conservator for Special Collections holds
a joint appointment in the Harvard University Library and the
Harvard College Library, and reports to the Malloy-Rabinowitz
Preservation Librarian.

Education, Experience, Skills: Required: extensive training in the
conservation of rare books and manuscripts as evidenced by a
graduate degree or post-graduate studies in conservation, formal
apprenticeship, or equivalent preparation.  A minimum of ten years
of conservation practice, with demonstrated excellence performing
complex treatments involving rare books and manuscripts, with
emphasis on books.  In-depth knowledge of the history of
bookbinding, printing, and paper making; codicology; and descriptive
bibliography.  Working knowledge of materials science.  Strong
organizational and supervisory skills, including the ability to
establish priorities and achieve goals; to train, supervise, 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 initiate and adapt to change, to analyze
and solve problems, and to be flexible and work collaboratively.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including
demonstrated ability to document treatments, write specifications,
and prepare and reports.

Preferred: experience working in a research library setting.
Interviewees will be asked to submit a portfolio representative of
recent conservation treatments.

Duties and Responsibilities

Management: Manages a productive special collections conservation
laboratory currently staffed by a professional conservator,
technicians, and interns.  Hires, trains, and supervises staff. Sets
priorities, directs work flow, and monitors quality and
productivity.  Working with the Malloy-Rabinowitz Preservation
Librarian and the Paper Conservator, prepares plans and establishes
goals for the laboratory.  Maintains statistics and prepares
reports.  Serves on the five-member Preservation Management Group
reporting to the Malloy-Rabinowitz Preservation Librarian, which
fosters program cohesiveness and effective communication channels.

Program Planning and Development: Works with librarians, curators,
and conservation staff to develop a comprehensive program for the
care of Harvard's special collections. Collaborates with the Paper
Conservator, the Chief Collections Conservator, and other
conservation professionals at Harvard to establish protocols and set
standards for treatment, exhibition, and storage of special
collections.  Contributes to the development of conservation
policies and guidelines, educational materials, project plans, and
grant proposals.  Maintains communication with staff in special
collections and archives throughout Harvard to help establish
priorities and ensure that conservation services support library
objectives.  Collaborates in the establishment of an ongoing program
of educational opportunities for Harvard's conservation and
curatorial staff.

Conservation Practice: Regularly performs complex treatments
focusing largely on books and codex manuscripts, with the goal of
providing optimum treatment for Harvard's most valuable and
challenging materials; refining treatment protocols; and teaching
others.  Prepares treatment specifications for conservation work
that will be performed by Harvard's conservation staff and by
conservators under contract with the libraries.  Plans and conducts
condition surveys and assessments of special collections and
archives throughout Harvard's libraries and develops treatment plans
based on findings.  Assists with disaster preparedness and recovery
efforts. Maintains current awareness of conservation principles and
practices as they apply to library and archives materials.

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

Please send resume, cover letter, and the names of three references
to

    Malcolm Hamilton
    University Personnel Librarian
    Wadsworth House
    Cambridge MA 02138

Applications received by January 15, 1998 will receive first
consideration.

Malcolm Hamilton, SPHR
Project ADAPT & Harvard University Library
Harvard University
617-496-1776
Fax: 617-496-8490 or 495-0370

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 11:47
                Distributed: Tuesday, November 25, 1997
                       Message Id: cdl-11-47-022
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