Position at Northwestern University

Head, Preservation Department
Northwestern University Library
Evanstan, IL

Summary: The Head of the Preservation Department has chief
responsibility for developing and implementing a comprehensive
program of preservation for the Library's general and special
collections in all formats. Manages and leads the staff of the
department, who are engaged in binding, mass de-acidification,
reformatting, conservation, book repair, digitization, and other
preservation activities. Coordinates the work of the department with
that of other library units. Serves on the Technical Services
Division management team.  Also works closely with the Assistant
University Librarian for Collection Management and other collection
management staff. Serves as a member of the Management Council, a
group that advises the University L

ibrarian. Responsibilities: Formulates and implements goals,
objectives, policies and projects for the Preservation Department.
Sets priorities and allocates financial, staff, and space resources.
Continually examines, and as necessary adjusts, operations in
relation to Library policies and goals and in light of changing
circumstances and new opportunities.

Leads and manages the work activities of the Preservation
Department, which currently include binding, reformatting, mass
de-acidification, conservation, digitization, and preservation
education for library users and staff. Establishes standards and
procedures for the evaluation, care, treatment, housing, and
reformatting of both circulating collections and non-circulating
special collections in print and non-print formats. Plays a major
leadership role in the Library's program of disaster preparedness
and recovery.

Directly supervises three professional employees who supervise
non-exempt staff in conservation, materials processing, and
preservation digitization technology units. Also directly supervises
one non-exempt staff member. Responsible for the preparation of
position descriptions; hiring, training, and evaluating staff;
establishing performance standards and goals; and recommending
appropriate personnel actions. Develops and maintains positive
communication patterns with staff at all levels. Meets regularly
with department staff. Promotes staff development and continuing
education for department employees. Plans, prepares, and analyzes
budgets, reports, and statistics; monitors and ensures the
appropriate management of resources allocated to the department,
including a number of financial accounts. Responsible for Web pages,
manuals, and other materials setting forth policies and procedures
for the department. As a member of the technical services management
team, consults with heads of the serials, monographic acquisitions
and rapid cataloging (MARC), and catalog departments; participates
in the overall planning and management of technical services
operations, and helps coordinate the work of the technical service
departments with other library units. Provides leadership in the
development and coordination of preservation policies and procedures
throughout the Library. Works closely with the Assistant University
Librarian for Collection Management and other collection management
staff to incorporate preservation considerations into collection
building and maintenance activities. Maintains communications and
develops productive working relationships with all Library units and
with staff throughout the Library. Serves as a member of the
Library's Management Council. Maintains current awareness and
understanding of issues and trends in preservation and
librarianship.  Keeps abreast of, and participates as appropriate
in, professional development, research, and service activities.
Represents the Library to external organizations such as the CIC on
preservation matters. Pursues grant opportunities and prepares grant
proposals for special programs. Manages or participates as
appropriate in grant-funded projects. Other duties as assigned or
necessary.

Qualifications:  MLS from an ALA-accredited library school or the
equivalent combination of education and relevant library experience
and substantial experience in a comprehensive preservation program
at a research institution required. Successful administrative and
supervisory experience required. Skills in budget management,
resource allocation, and design of production processes required.
Excellent organizational and collaborative skills required.
Knowledge of and/or experience working with a broad range of
preservation issues, including digitization and digital preservation
issues, preferred. Demonstrated written and oral communication
competence, including group presentation skills, preferred. Record
of successful leadership activities preferred. Record of career
growth that includes professional development, service, and/or
publication activities relevant to librarianship preferred.
Experience planning and managing grant-funded projects desirable.

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience ($50,000
minimum).

To apply: Send letter of application and resume, including
names of three references, to

    Peter J. Devlin
    Personnel Librarian
    Northwestern University Library
    1970 Campus Drive
    Evanston IL 60208-2300
    library-personnel<-a t->northwestern< . >edu

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until
position is filled.   Northwestern University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment eligibility
verification required upon hire.


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:17
                 Distributed: Thursday, October 6, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-17-045
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