Internship at Library of Congress

Preventive Conservation Internship
Library of Congress
Preservation Directorate
Conservation Division

Aim: To train conservation professionals in the methods of
preventive conservation.

Objectives: The goal of the internship is to provide an educational
opportunity for conservators seeking training in preventive
conservation. Interns will focus on conservation problems in context
and be challenged to develop practical and theoretical solutions for
a broad range of formats and collections. Interns will learn how to
assess collections, develop conservation strategies, apply
preventive treatments, develop treatment work plans, monitor and
manage work in conservation; and contribute generally to the
conservation of library and archival collections through
participation in education and training initiatives. In addition to
practical exercises and projects, interns will develop their
theoretical knowledge in key a conservation areas, including the
selection of materials for treatment, environmental monitoring and
control, the application of micro-environments, disaster
preparedness, response and recovery, program administration, and the
development of strategies for the long-term preservation of
collections.

Description of Program: The specific areas to be covered during the
internship period will be determined in consultation with the
Library of Congress Conservation Division.  Areas available for
concentrated study include, general conservation assessment,
collection condition survey and examination, collection processing
and documentation, collection housing and housekeeping, treatment,
work space and equipment maintenance, emergency preparedness and
disaster recovery, environmental monitoring, exhibition preparation,
integrated pest management, packing and moving collections, labeling
and marking, research, staff training and user awareness,
consultation, outreach and advocacy, and preservation reformatting.
Additional administrative skills that may be used are specifications
and contracting, fund raising, training and team-building.

Criteria for Selection: Candidates will be selected on the basis of
conservation knowledge, skills and abilities, an active commitment
to professional ethics as stated in the American Institute for
Conservation Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, effective
communication skills and an understanding of library and archival
collections. Candidates with academic training in the technology and
chemistry of library and archival materials and experience in
conservation treatment of paper and books will be given preference.

Selection Procedures: The number of interns each year will be
determined by the Library. At the present time, no funding is
available from the Library and applicants must seek their own
funding to cover all related expenses. The length of internship will
be eleven to twelve months following the U.S. academic year
(September through August).  Internships of six months will also be
considered. The application should include a letter stating goals
and interests for this internship, a resume, and three letters of
recommendation from individuals who are familiar with the
applicant's experience in the conservation field.  A personal
interview at a later date will be scheduled with supervisory staff
to review and discuss the applicant's  portfolio.  In the case of
foreign applicants, a portfolio may be submitted by mail and a
telephone interview will be carried out.  Fluent spoken and written
English is a requirement of the internship.

Application Schedule: For 1999/2000: Application due June 30, 1999.
Announcement of selection - August 31, 1999. Internship begins in
January, 2000 for eight months until August, 2000. In the future,
the schedule for applications from 2000/2001 onward will be:
Application  due January 15th. Announcement of selection will be
made by March 31st. Internship will begin in September.

To Apply:
Please direct letters of application to

    Mark S. Roosa
    Chief, Conservation Division
    Library of Congress
    101 Independence Ave. S.E..
    Washington DC 20540-4530
    202-707-5634
    Fax: 202-707-1525

Please be sure to include your complete mailing address including
your phone and fax numbers, with e-mail, if applicable, with your
application.

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 12:88
                   Distributed: Tuesday, May 18, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-88-022
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