Position at Harvard

Professional Vacancy
Collections Conservator for Widener Library
Harvard College Library
Harvard University

Under the direction of the Chief Collections Conservator for the
Harvard College Library, the Collections Conservator for Widener
Library co-manages the daily operations of the Harvard College
Library collections conservation laboratory, a high-production
facility treating 19th and 20th-century materials held throughout
the 11-library Harvard College Library.  As a member of the
Conservation Division's management team within the Preservation
Services Department, works in collaboration with the Chief, the
Preservation Review Librarian, and other library staff to develop
and implement conservation programs that ensure the longevity and
usability of Widener Library's extensive research collections.

Co-manages a fully equipped 3,400-square-foot collections
conservation laboratory in Widener Library.  Hires, trains, and
supervises a staff of 10 FTE.  Sets priorities, plans and directs
workflow, and monitors quality and productivity.  Selects and
monitors supplies, tools, and equipment; maintains equipment in
working order; and manages a laboratory health and safety program.
Maintains statistics and prepares reports.  Ensures that treatment
standards and protocols are met.  Contributes to the development of
preservation policies and guidelines, and to the management of
conservation projects.  In collaboration with the Chief Collections
Conservator and the Preservation Review Librarian, maintains
communication with staff throughout Widener Library to determine
priorities, solve problems, and ensure that conservation services
support library objectives.

Performs a broad range of conservation treatments on materials in
the research collections in Widener Library, which holds over 5
million volumes.  Develops and tests new treatment procedures.
Provides technical advice regarding handling and storage of library
materials.  Monitors environmental conditions in Widener Library.
Provides limited technical support for exhibit preparation.  Assists
in the organization and implementation of disaster recovery efforts
throughout Harvard's libraries, and serves on the Harvard University
Library disaster response team. Maintains current awareness of
conservation principles and practices as they apply to library and
archives materials.

Qualifications:  Bachelor's degree required; graduate degree in
library science preferred.  Extensive training in book conservation.
A minimum of eight years of conservation experience, with
demonstrated excellence performing complex treatments involving a
broad range of research library materials.  Management and training
experience, preferably in a library setting.  Knowledge of the
history of books and papermaking, and the nature and causes of book
and paper deterioration.  Strong organizational skills, including
the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals; to train,
supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff; to encourage team work and
staff development; and to plan, organize, and direct work flow.
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 prepare reports and procedural documentation.

Compensation: Anticipated hiring salary in the low 40's.

Available: Screening of applications will begin on January 31, 1999.
Interested individuals should send a cover letter, resume and names
of three references to:

    Suz-Ann Olofson
    Harvard College Library, Human Resource Services
    Widener Library 189
    Cambridge, MA 02138

Harvard University upholds a commitment to Affirmative Action and
Equal Employment Opportunity

Diane Cox
Administrative Coordinator for Human Resources
Harvard College Library
495-3721

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:48
                 Distributed: Monday, November 30, 1998
                       Message Id: cdl-12-48-019
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