Position at Harvard

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

The Conservator for Houghton Library Collections works in the
Harvard University Library Preservation Center under the supervision
of the James W. Needham Chief Conservator for Special Collections.
The Conservator treats a broad range of rare and unique materials,
chiefly bound volumes, from Houghton Library, the principal rare
book and manuscript library of Harvard College.

The Conservator carries out a wide range of conservation treatments
on rare cloth-, paper-, vellum-, and leather-bound volumes as well
as on a variety of unbound materials on paper and vellum from the
Houghton Library collections.  Works on more complex treatments
under the supervision of the Chief Conservator.  Prepares condition
and treatment reports including photo documentation.  Designs and
constructs protective enclosures for special collections.  Assists
with general laboratory management. Participates in disaster
recovery efforts where library collections are involved.  Will
ultimately assist with training and supervision of conservation
technicians.

Education, experience, skills:  Required:  Graduate degree in
conservation; or equivalent training in rare book conservation in a
recognized conservation facility or through extended, formal
apprenticeship under a conservator.  A minimum of two to four years
of conservation experience, 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 papermaking; codicology; and descriptive
bibliography.  Working knowledge of materials science.  Strong
organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities
and achieve goals.  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 reports.  Preferred: Experience training
and supervising staff; and planning, organizing, and directing
workflow.  Experience working in a research library setting.

Those candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a
portfolio representative of recent conservation treatments.

Compensation: Anticipated hiring salary in the mid to high 30s.

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
    Fax: 617-496-8672

Harvard 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 12:89
                  Distributed: Thursday, May 20, 1999
                       Message Id: cdl-12-89-015
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