Position at American Philosophical Society

Conservation Technicians
American Philosophical Society

The American Philosophical Society Library (APS) seeks to employ two
Conservation Technicians for a two-year period commencing 3 January
2005. These grant-funded positions offer full-time employment in
support of a project designed to conserve some 406.5 linear feet of
fragile 20th century manuscripts.

The Society's Library, located near Independence Hall in
Philadelphia, is a leading international center for research in the
history of American science and technology and its European roots,
as well as early American history and culture. The Library houses
over 8 million manuscripts, 300,000 volumes and bound periodicals,
and thousands of maps and prints. Outstanding historical collections
and subject areas include the papers of Benjamin Franklin; the
American Revolution; 18th and 19th-century natural history; western
scientific expeditions and travel including the journals of Lewis
and Clark; polar exploration; the papers of Charles Willson Peale,
his family and descendants; American Indian languages; anthropology
including the papers of Franz Boas; the papers of Charles Darwin and
his forerunners, colleagues, critics, and successors; history of
genetics, eugenics, and evolution; history of biochemistry,
physiology, and biophysics; 20th-century medical research; and
history of physics. The Library does not hold materials on
philosophy in the modern sense.  More information about the Society
and the APS Library can be found at <URL:http://www.amphilsoc.org>

The project is designed to stabilize some of the most fragile and
nationally significant early 20th Century collections held by the
Library.  The targeted collections include primary materials in the
history of anthropology, physical sciences, and life sciences.
During the course of the treatment period, the Conservation
Technicians will photocopy fragile manuscript items onto archival
paper, scan certain photographic images, and replace all acidic
folders and boxes with ones that are buffered and lignin-free.  Box
and folder labels will also be produced from data entered in the
finding aids.

Candidates must have a high level of manual dexterity, good
decision-making capabilities, basic computer skills, and the ability
to work both independently and as a member of a team. No previous
experience is required, though special consideration will be given
to candidates who are completing pre-program coursework for graduate
studies in conservation.

The Society offers a competitive benefits package, including
generous health insurance options.  Salary is competitive and
depends on qualifications. The American Philosophical Society is an
EOE, and strongly encourages applications from women and minorities.
Applications review will begin on 8 December, 2004. Final candidates
must successfully pass a security check. To apply, send letter of
application, resume or CV, and three references to:

    Dr. Martin L. Levitt
    Librarian
    American Philosophical Society Library
    105 S. 5th St.
    Philadelphia, PA 19106
    mlevitt [at] amphilsoc__org

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 18:22
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 17, 2004
                       Message Id: cdl-18-22-011
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