Position at Yale

Head of Preservation and Chief Preservation Officer
Yale University Library
Rank: Librarian III - V

Yale University Library's Preservation Department, started in 1971,
is one of the oldest in the country. It has strong administrative
support and has played a major role in the development of the
preservation field. It consists of several programs, including
Preservation, Conservation, and Collections Care, for a total of
approximately 24 FTE staff. The Preservation program is responsible
for such areas as binding, brittle books, reformatting, mass
de-acidification, and library-wide staff and user education,
offering consulting to the entire library system. Major grant
projects for preservation microfilming are handled here. The
Conservation program is responsible for the hands-on treatment and
care of the Yale library collections, carrying out both single item
conservation treatments and collection conservation activities.
Collections Care is a comparatively new program, responsible for
treatment of books and other materials that can be relatively
quickly strengthened or repaired in-house. Collections Care also
manages the Sterling Memorial Library book-cleaning project.

Responsibilities: Preservation is increasing in visibility and
agenda in the Yale University Library [YUL]. Under the general
guidance of the Associate University Librarian for Collections
Development and Management, the Head of Preservation and Chief
Preservation Officer provides leadership in preservation for the
library system and is responsible for administering and improving
the comprehensive preservation program now in place.

The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching
and research at the University, has more than 10.5 million volumes
housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and 16 school and
departmental libraries. It employs a dynamic and innovative staff of
nearly 600 FTE who have the opportunity to work with the highest
caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees and are
involved in other areas of staff development. A full spectrum of
library resources, from rare books and manuscripts to rapidly
expanding network of electronic resources, constitutes one of Yale's
distinctive strengths. The Library is engaged in numerous ambitious
projects such as the renovation of the main library building, the
complete retrospective conversion of the Library's catalog, and
various automation projects, which include network access to
scholarly information and preservation imaging. Yale is a member of
the Program for Cooperative Cataloging and contributes to the NACO
and BIBCO Programs. For additional information on the Yale
University Library, please visit <URL:http://www.library.yale.edu/>

The Yale Library aims to grow and foster a culture of preservation
throughout the institution, along with a commitment to valuing many
original artifacts under its care. Of particular note is a growing
emphasis on conservation, a key program that needs planning and
significant enhancement.

Key responsibilities include:

    *   Managing departmental staff and resources. A senior manager
        in the library and member of the Library Management Council,
        this individual has a broad view of library needs and
        issues.

    *   Parts of YUL's program are currently under review, and the
        incumbent will be expected to take a leading role in
        assessing how to build on existing strengths while
        strengthening the program in certain areas. Facilities
        review and planning are part of this effort.

    *   Managing a comprehensive preservation program for general
        and special collections in all formats throughout the YUL,
        with the entire range of preservation activities, from
        collections care to conservation; from inside treatments of
        numerous sorts to diverse external relationships and
        contracts.

    *   Surveying/assessing and developing short and long-term plans
        and goals for preservation of collections of every sort
        across the entire library system

    *   Collaborating on preservation matters with all departments
        (including collections, technical services, access services,
        and exhibitions, etc.) and libraries.

    *   Coordinating the development of educational programs in
        preservation for staff and users of library resources.

    *   Taking a lead role in digital conversion and digital
        preservation; studies and applying new technologies as part
        of the panoply of options available for preservation of
        traditional library materials.

    *   Coordinating assessment of environmental conditions
        throughout the Library system including all shelving areas.
        Responsible for monitoring conditions and establishing
        standards, especially during construction and renovation
        projects.

    *   Exercising a lead role in planning for emergencies and
        disasters, particularly for collections resources.

    *   Representing the Library in regional, national, and
        international preservation arenas.

    *   As an engaged fund-raiser, writing grant proposals and other
        reports as required, publicizing the program and
        preservation issues through the media, published articles,
        workshops, and formal talks.

Qualifications: MLS degree from an ALA-accredited library program,
plus strong preservation experience or equivalent
training/experience. Appointment to rank Librarian III-IV requires
demonstrated professional accomplishments, and a minimum of five,
eight or twelve years respectively, of relevant professional
experience. Expert knowledge of conservation and stabilization
treatments for general and special collections and knowledge of
current trends. Demonstrated strong leadership skills. Strong
managerial skills; supervisory abilities. Strong project management
skills. Excellent communications, both written and oral. Knowledge
of new technologies and their possible application to the
preservation arena. Innovative, dynamic, vital individual.
Analytical and problem-solving skills. Proven record in grant
writing and fund-procurement. Ability to work in a complex and
changing environment with diverse staff and users.

Salary and Benefits: Rank and competitive salary will be based upon
the successful candidate's qualifications and experience. Full
benefits package including 22 vacation days; 18 holiday, recess and
personal days; comprehensive health care; TIAA/CREF or Yale
retirement plan; and relocation assistance. Application deadline is
January 15, 2002. Applications will be accepted until the position
is filled. Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and
the names of three references should be directed to:

    Diane Y. Turner,
    Director, Library Human Resources
    Yale University Library
    Source code EAYU8685
    PO Box 208240
    New Haven CT 06520
    Fax: 203-432-1806;
    diane.turner [at] yale__edu


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 15:47
                 Distributed: Thursday, January 3, 2002
                       Message Id: cdl-15-47-017
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