Position at Harvard

Conservator in the Harvard University Library
Weissman Preservation Center

Duties and Responsibilities: Contributing to a five year project,
the Conservator is responsible for the care and treatment of rare
and unique library materials held in the Harvard University Library,
both bound and unbound, ranging from volumes in historic bindings to
art on paper. S/he is expected to meet production schedules while
balancing quality and production deadlines. 50% or more of the
Conservator's time will be dedicated to the treatment of special
collections from Baker Library, Harvard Business School; will also
treat special collections from the Harvard College Library and other
Harvard libraries. In consultation with conservators, librarians,
curators, and archivists, HUL Conservator will examine and develop
conservation treatment specifications for, and treat historic
bindings, rare books, bound and unbound manuscripts, prints,
drawings, maps, ephemera, and other archival and special collections
materials on paper/vellum. Advises librarians and curators on
preservation issues and specifies housing options for library and
archives holdings. Prepares condition reports, treatment proposals,
and treatment reports including photo documentation. Conducts
condition surveys, analyzes results, assists in development of
efficient and cost effective action plans. NOTE: This is a term
appointment with renewal subject to an annual review. Serves on
Library Collections Emergency Team. Provides supervision and
coordinates the work of in-house and contract conservator staff as
needed. Contributes to maintenance of departmental supply files and
WPC library. Carries out materials identification and research as
needed.

Required Education, Experience and Skills: Graduate degree in
conservation with minimum 3 years professional conservation
experience working under the direction of a senior conservator in a
recognized treatment facility required. Demonstrated excellence
performing complex treatments on both bound and unbound materials.
Experience conducting condition surveys and preparing plans based on
findings. In-depth knowledge of the history of bookbinding and
papermaking; printing and printmaking processes and media;
codicology, and descriptive bibliography. Strong organizational
skills, including the ability to establish priorities, achieve
goals, and meet scheduling deadlines. Key qualifications also
include: Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including
demonstrated ability to document treatments, write specifications,
and prepare reports. Master's degree in library science preferred.
Excellent teaching/training skills and oral/written communication
skills.

To learn more, visit:
<URL:http://preserve.harvard.edu/photographs/directory.html>
Candidates interviewed will be asked to submit a portfolio
representative of recent conservation treatments. Please do not send
materials unless requested. The conservation laboratory, located
within the Harvard University Library's Weissman Preservation
Center, is an active facility where treatment of diverse rare book,
paper, and photograph collections from throughout Harvard's
approximately 90 libraries is carried out.

To read description and apply online, visit
<URL:http://www.employment.harvard.edu/>, requisition number 27487.
Do not send application to this e-mail address.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.

Marcy Holabaugh
HR Assistant, Harvard University Library


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 20:14
                Distributed: Friday, September 15, 2006
                       Message Id: cdl-20-14-025
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