Position at Princeton

Assistant Rare Books Conservator
Princeton University Library
Princeton, New Jersey
Preservation Office

The Princeton University Library, one of the world's most respected
research institutions, serves a diverse community of 6,600 students
and 1,100 faculty members with more than 6 million printed volumes,
5 million manuscripts, and 2 million non-print items. The holdings
in its central library and 15 specialized libraries range from
ancient papyri and incunabula to the most advanced electronic
databases and digital collections. The Library employs a dedicated
and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support
personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce.
More information can be found at
<http://library.princeton.edu/>http://library.princeton.edu/

Available: January 2006. This is a two-year half-time term
appointment with possibility of renewal.

Description: In association with and working under the direction of
the Rare Books Conservator is responsible for the physical care and
conservation treatment of rare books and bound manuscripts in the
Princeton University Library. These materials are characterized by
rarity, uniqueness, and complex technical problems. Performs all
aspects of book conservation designed to preserve their historical,
artifactual, and intrinsic value, including: mending; sewing;
disbinding; board re-attachment and endband construction; repairing
all Western binding styles in paper, cloth, leather, vellum, and
alum-tawed materials; aqueous and non-aqueous treatments; enclosure
fabrication; examination, specification, and written and
photographic documentation of treatments; development and execution
of book condition and needs assessment surveys. Recommends
conservation priorities and treatment strategies for these materials
in consultation with the Preservation Librarian, Rare Books
Conservator, and rare books and special collections curators.
Reports directly to the Preservation Librarian.

Qualifications

Required: Masters degree in rare book conservation through an
accredited graduate degree or certificate program or equivalent
experience. Additionally, a minimum of five years professional
experience in rare book conservation in a research library or
archives setting. Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of book
conservation, history of book structure, binding techniques, and
materials science. Demonstrated knowledge of the broad range of
western binding styles. Demonstrated ability to work on a wide range
of rare book collections in a complex organization and to
communicate effectively with people. Ability to work with peers as
part of a team is essential, as is the ability to work independently
and to plan and structure one's own treatments according to a
schedule as well as shifting demands. Experience in coordinating
conservation activities among several constituencies.

Desirable: Familiarity with operating Macintosh computers.

An applicant who is chosen for an interview must present a portfolio
of successful rare book conservation treatments.

Compensation and Benefits: Salary based on experience and
qualifications. Two (2) vacation days per month, designated paid
holidays. Medical and other benefits available.

Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin
immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Nominations and applications (resume and the names, titles,
addresses and phone numbers of three references) should be sent as
an MS Word attachment via email to libhrpro<-a t->princeton< . >edu or by fax
to 609-258-0454.

Submissions via regular mail are also welcomed and can be sent to:

    Search Committee for Assistant Rare Books Conservator
    c/o Lila Daum Fredenburg
    Human Resources Librarian
    Princeton University Library
    One Washington Road
    Princeton NJ 08544-2098

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
Employer.

For information about applying to Princeton, please link to
<URL:http://web.princeton.edu/sites/dof/ApplicantsInfo.htm>

Robert J. Milevski
Preservation Librarian and Manager, Typography Studio
Princeton University Library
One Washington Road
Princeton, NJ 08544
609-258-5591
Fax: 609-258-4105


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 19:23
                 Distributed: Friday, October 28, 2005
                       Message Id: cdl-19-23-039
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