Position at Columbia

Book Repair Technician, General Collections
Position ID #1005343
(Technical Assistant VI)
Salary Grade $553.83/week
Temporary position
Columbia University Libraries

The Columbia University Libraries Conservation Department seeks
qualified applicants for this temporary, but full-time union
position with health coverage and other benefits. This is a
temporary appointment with funding through June 30, 2004 available
immediately.

Description of duties: Under the supervision of the Head
Conservator, performs both simple and complex conservation repairs
on bound materials from the Columbia University Libraries general
collections.  Re-binds, re-cases or performs other appropriate
repairs on modern materials, including re-backing, re-sewing and
paper repairs. Utilizes technical skills and judgment to select and
carry out appropriate, conservation quality repairs on pre-1850 and
other artifactually important bound volumes from general
collections, with emphasis on retaining original character and
binding features. Fabricates protective enclosures for books,
compact discs, fold-out maps, etc. Encapsulates fragile documents in
polyester film.  Assists conservators with re-housing projects or
batch treatment of rare and special collections materials as needed.
Participates in disaster response and recovery of general and
special collections materials. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Minimum one year full-time work experience in
binding and repair of multi-section case-bound books, preferably in
a library or archives conservation setting; or completion of
internship, apprenticeship or other training resulting in equivalent
skills and knowledge.  Must have knowledge of basic binding and
repair procedures and understanding of book structures; excellent
manual dexterity and attention to detail; ability and willingness to
work according to departmental specifications; ability to perform
routine repairs with speed and accuracy; ability to handle fragile
and rare materials with care.  Must be able to work independently
when necessary; good communication and interpersonal skills
essential. Experience with Windows 2000, word-processing,
spreadsheet and database software helpful.  Requires operation of
specialized equipment (e.g. ultrasonic welder, guillotine cutter,
fume hood) and use of various chemicals under controlled conditions.
Applicants are encouraged to provide a portfolio or examples of
previous binding, conservation or book repair.

To apply, send resume and cover letter to

    M. Joseph Knox
    Human Resources
    Columbia University Libraries
    535 West 114th St.
    New York, NY 10027
    jk690 [at] columbia__edu

Please refer to the position id number in your application.

Send questions about this position to Mr. Knox or to Maria
Fredericks, Head of Conservation at mf360 [at] columbia__edu.

Maria L. Fredericks
Head, Conservation Department
Columbia University Libraries
535 W. 114th St., Room 109
New York, NY 10027
212-854-3580
Fax: 212-854-3290

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 17:34
                Distributed: Thursday, October 16, 2003
                       Message Id: cdl-17-34-045
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