Position at Columbia University

Technical Assistant
Reference #: 990153
Date - 1 Mar 1999
Grade:06
Department: Libraries: Preservation (Conservation Lab)
Salary:$533.52/per week

Description: Under the supervision of the Repair Unit Supervisor,
the incumbent performs both simple and complex conservation repairs
on bound materials from the University Libraries' general
collections; re-binds, re-cases or performs other appropriate
repairs to circulating books, including re-backing, re-sewing and
paper repairs; utilizes technical skills and judgment to select and
carry out appropriate, conservation quality repairs on pre-1850 and
other artifactually important bound volumes from general
collections, with emphasis on retaining original character and
binding features; fabricates protective enclosures for books,
compact discs, fold-out maps; encapsulates fragile documents in
polyester film; assists conservators with re-housing projects or
batch treatment of rare and special collections materials as needed;
participates in disaster response and recovery of general and
special collections materials; performs other related duties as
assigned.

Qualifications: High School diploma or the equivalent required.
BA/BS is preferred. Minimum one year full-time experience in binding
and repair of multi-section case-bound books, preferably in library
or archives conservation setting; or completion of internship,
apprenticeship or training program resulting in equivalent skills
and knowledge. Must have experience with basic binding and repair
procedures and understanding of book structures; excellent manual
dexterity and attention to detail; ability and willingness to work
according to departmental specifications; ability perform routine
repairs with speed and accuracy; ability to handle fragile and rare
materials with care. Familiarity with basic conservation philosophy
and ethics; ability to work independently; good analytical skills;
good communication and interpersonal skills essential. Basic
word-processing skills helpful. Requires operation of specialized
equipment (e.g. ultrasonic welder, fume hood, guillotine cutter) and
use of various chemicals under controlled conditions. Applicants
should be able to work standing up for extended periods of time,
lift heavy objects, and work with dusty books and documents. Tests:
Binding skills test will be administered as part of the interview.
Applicants are encouraged to provide a portfolio or examples of
previous conservation work.

This is a Morningside Campus-Support Staff-1199 (Union) position.
The position includes an excellent benefits package, including
medical & dental insurance, 4 weeks paid vacation per year and a 7
credit per semester tuition exemption at Columbia, Barnard or
Teacher's College.

Qualified applicants should submit a resume to:

    Joe Knox
    Employment Specialist
    Box 18 Butler Library
    Columbia University
    535 West 114th Street
    New York NY 10027
    Fax: 212-854-1550
    jk690 [at] columbia__edu

Applications will be accepted until April 21, 1999. Columbia is an
Equal Opportunity Employer

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:73
                  Distributed: Friday, March 12, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-73-024
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