Position at Ohio State University

Book and Paper Conservator
Ohio State University Libraries
Position Available: Immediately

Responsibilities: The Ohio State University Libraries Preservation
Office seeks a Book and Paper Conservator for the Libraries' large
and growing special collections. The Conservator reports to the
Preservation Officer, with primary duties focusing on all aspects of
book and paper conservation.  The Conservator works closely with
librarians and curators of special collections--principally the
Cartoon Research Library, the Charvat American Fiction Collection,
the Hilandar Research Library, Rare Books and Manuscripts, the
Library of the Lawrence and Lee Theatre Research Institute, the Byrd
Polar Research Center Archival Program, the John Glenn Archives, and
the University Archives--on a wide variety of single-item
conservation treatments and physical care for those collections.
Under the direction of the Preservation Officer, librarians, and
curators, the Conservator will establish preservation and
conservation priorities and treatment strategies; carry out
condition surveys and needs assessments; develop and manage
treatment projects of rare book, manuscript, art on paper, and
visual materials collections; participate in the conservation
components of exhibit preparation; advise curators on the care of
film, video, artifacts, textiles, and other non-book / paper
materials; train and teach skills to other staff; and monitor
environments of rare materials storage areas. The overall ratio of
benchwork to other related responsibilities is expected to be
approximately 80/20. The Conservator will prioritize treatments,
plan workflow, and maintain high standards of productivity and
quality. S/he will generate written and photographic documentation
of items brought into the studio, and keep treatment records in
established databases and computer files. Work will be done in
accordance with the Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice of the
American Institute for Conservation of Artistic and Historic Work
(AIC). The Conservator will manage daily operations of the studio
(maintain equipment, order supplies, etc.) and prepare statistics
and reports.

Skills required: Must have demonstrated ability to carry out complex
conservation treatments on rare and unique artifacts. Must be able
to create photographic documentation and to write coherent condition
and treatment reports. (Candidates will be required to present and
discuss a portfolio of past treatments during the interview.) Must
have excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills; strong
organizational skills; the ability to create, analyze, and follow
efficient workflow routines and to establish procedures that
maximize efficiency; ability to work independently; strong
interpersonal skills; and excellent oral and written communication
skills.

Qualifications: Required: The position requires a bachelor's degree
and a minimum of five years professional experience in solving
conservation problems for rare books, manuscripts, works of art on
paper, and archival collections. Training should include knowledge
of conservation principles and practices, and of the physical and
chemical nature of paper, books, and conservation materials; and a
full understanding of principles of book conservation, history of
book structure, binding techniques, and materials science.

Demonstrated ability to work on wide range of rare book and paper
collections in a complex organization and to communicate effectively
about their treatment needs. Working knowledge of safety and
handling procedures for materials such as aerosols and organic
solvents. Ability to work independently and to structure one's time.

Desirable: AIC Fellow status; training experience.

Portfolio: Applicants chosen for interview must present a portfolio
of conservation treatments of rare books and works of art on paper,
including documentation materials.

Salary: Salary dependent upon experience and qualifications. The
position is classified as Administrative and Professional staff.

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, and 10 holidays. Hospitalization,
major medical, surgical-medical, dental, vision, and long-term
disability insurance; life insurance at 2.5 times one's annual
salary. State and alternative retirement system available.

Application: Applications will be accepted until the position is
filled. Preference will be given to applications received by October
1, 2001. Send letter of interest with a current resume and name,
address, phone, and e-mail address of three references to

    Toni Morrison-Smith
    Personnel Officer
    110 Main Library
    1858 Neil Ave. Mall
    Columbus OH 43210-1286
    614-292-5917
    Fax: 614-292-7859
    morrison-smith.1 [at] osu__edu

The Ohio State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with
disabilities are encouraged to apply.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:22
               Distributed: Wednesday, September 5, 2001
                       Message Id: cdl-15-22-016
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