Position at Harvard

Conservator
Weissman Preservation Center, Harvard University Library

The Conservator for Harvard University Library Collections works in
the Harvard University Library's Weissman Preservation Center under
the supervision of the James W. Needham Chief Conservator for
Special Collections. The Conservator treats rare and unique
materials ranging from bound volumes and codex manuscripts to
drawings, prints, maps, unbound manuscripts, and other materials
held in special collections throughout the libraries at Harvard.

Education, experience, skills: Required: Graduate degree in
conservation. A minimum of three years of professional conservation
experience working under the direction of a conservator in a
recognized treatment facility.  Demonstrated excellence performing
complex treatments on both bound and unbound materials. Experience
conducting condition surveys and preparing plans based on findings.
In-depth knowledge of the history of bookbinding and papermaking,
printing and printmaking processes and media, codicology, and
descriptive bibliography. Working knowledge of chemistry and
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.

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

Duties and responsibilities: In consultation with curators,
archivists, and librarians, examines, develops treatment
specifications for, and treats a wide range of cloth- paper-,
vellum-, and leather-bound volumes; as well as unbound materials,
including manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other objects
(largely) on paper and vellum, in the Harvard University Library
collections. Prepares condition and treatment reports including
photo documentation. Conducts condition surveys, analyzes results,
and participates in the development of action plans. Designs and
constructs custom protective enclosures for special collections.
Collaborates with other conservators to the selection of materials
for the Weissman Preservation Center resource library, and to the
maintenance of vendor files and inventories of conservation supplies
and equipment. Serves on the Library Collections Emergency Team.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to:

    Harvard University Employment Office
    Resume Processing Center
    Req. #5937
    11 Holyoke Street
    Cambridge MA 02138

or apply online at <URL:http://jobs.harvard.edu/>.

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

Melissa Groff
Harvard University Library
Wadsworth House
Cambridge, MA 02138
617-495-3650
Fax: 617-495-0370

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 14:2
                  Distributed: Thursday, June 29, 2000
                        Message Id: cdl-14-2-038
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