Position at Indiana Historical Society

Book Conservator
Indiana Historical Society

The Indiana Historical Society (IHS) seeks candidates for the
full-time position of Assistant Conservator in the Conservation
Department of its Collections, Conservation, and Public Programs
Division.   Founded in 1830 and located in Indianapolis, IHS is a
private, independent, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to
collecting, preserving, and promoting Indiana's history.   The IHS
library, the William Henry Smith Memorial Library, is a special
collections library consisting of rare and archival materials
including early manuscripts, bound manuscript volumes, books,
pamphlets, maps, graphic works and photograph and negatives focusing
on Indiana and the Old Northwest.  The Conservation lab is a
state-of-the-art facility with a current staff of one full-time
paper Conservator and one full time Senior Director, Conservation.
For more information about IHS, please visit
<URL:http://www.indianahistory.org>.

The Assistant Conservator helps to implement the preservation and
conservation plans for the IHS library's rare books, pamphlet, and
bound manuscript collections.  Duties include:   performing
comprehensive treatments on a wide variety of printed books and
bound manuscripts and albums, conducting book condition surveys,
managing preventive care of book collection, performing specialized
and intermediate treatments to stabilize a variety of materials in
newly processed collections, performing treatments required for
exhibitions, keeping current with new conservation techniques and
use of lab equipment, assisting with researching of and ordering
equipment and supplies,  and updating databases.  Complete job
description available upon request.

Essential knowledge, abilities, and skills: Candidates must have
knowledge of conservation principles and practices and the physical
and chemical nature of paper and books, including a thorough
knowledge of book and paper history, materials, and construction, as
well as a demonstrated ability to work on a wide range of rare book
and paper collections.    Candidates must also have experience
performing a broad range of book conservation treatments, including
documenting treatments in written and photographic form.
Well-developed skills in the examination, evaluation, treatment, and
use of a variety of equipment to treat library and archival material
are also a must.  Candidates should have a working knowledge of word
processing, database management, E-Mail, and Web browser software in
a Windows environment (preferably Word, Excel, Access, and Microsoft
Office).  Also needed is the ability to interpret collection needs,
manage the task at hand, and complete work in a timely fashion.  The
Assistant Conservator must be a team player who works well with
other professionals and share knowledge with patience, adaptability,
and good humor.

Qualifications:

    1.  Graduate degree from a recognized training program in book
        conservation or formal apprenticeship with established book
        conservator.

    2.  One to three years experience beyond graduate program
        training/formal apprenticeship, preferably in a recognized,
        formal conservation facility.

Pay and benefits: Salary range starts in the low $30's; salary
offered will be commensurate with experience and skills. IHS offers
an excellent benefits package, including health, dental, life and
long-term disability coverage; TDA with TIAA-CREF, employee
assistance program (EAP), flexible benefits, and generous paid time
off.  Parking provided nearby.

Applications: Please send a cover letter, resume, and the names,
current addresses and numbers of three professional references to:

    Susan P. Brown
    Senior Director, Human Resources
    Indiana Historical Society
    450 W. Ohio Street
    Indianapolis IN  46202-3299
    Fax: 317-234-0076

Please note:  Candidates invited to interview must present a
portfolio of conservation treatments to rare books including
documentation materials. Fax: 317-234-0076.  Applications will be
accepted until the position is filled.  IHS is an equal opportunity
employer.

Ramona Duncan-Huse
Senior Director, Conservation
Indiana Historical society
450 W. Ohio Street
Indianapolis IN 46202
234-0093


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:5
                   Distributed: Friday, July 2, 2004
                        Message Id: cdl-18-5-006
                                  ***