Position at Harvard

Book Conservator in the Harvard College Library (grade 56)
Weissman Preservation Center

Duties and Responsibilities: The Weissman Preservation Center (WPC)
is seeking an experienced Book Conservator. The conservator
examines, develops treatment specifications for, and treats a wide
variety of printed books and bound manuscripts on paper and vellum.
Prepares condition and treatment reports including photo
documentation. Carries out testing and analysis, including
identifying pigments and fibers. Conducts condition surveys and
collection assessments, analyzes results, and develops action plans.
Prepares specifications for protective enclosures. Consults with
curators and attends meetings representing the WPC. Contributes to
maintenance of vendor files, inventories of book and paper
conservation supplies and equipment, and selection of materials for
WPCs resource library. Serves as a member of the Library Collections
Emergency Team.

Qualifications: Master's degree in Book Conservation and
conservation experience in a recognized facility. Demonstrated
excellence performing complex conservation treatments. In-depth
knowledge of book structure and binding history; paper and
papermaking history; and the history of printing, inks, and
pigments. Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science.
Excellent communication skills. Ability to prepare reports utilizing
word processing, spreadsheet, database, and e-mail programs. Strong
organizational skills. Ability to work within established priorities
and to achieve goals. Able to initiate and adapt to change, to
analyze and solve problems, and to work collaboratively. Ability to
use instruments such as microscopes, suction tables, and fume hoods;
to lift objects up to 30 lbs.; and to escort collections materials
from one building to another.

Environment: The Weissman Preservation Center in the Harvard
University Library is dedicated to assessing, preserving, and making
accessible the holdings of the libraries and other entities at
Harvard. The fully equipped WPC Conservation Laboratory, currently
staffed by 17 FTE conservators and technicians, treats rare and
unique materials (exclusively) in the Library's special collections.
The Preservation and Imaging program in the Harvard College Library,
staffed by 67 FTE conservation and imaging specialists and
catalogers, conserves the HCL general research collections and
reproduces library, archives, and museum materials from across
Harvard. These programs collaborate closely and carry out their work
at the highest level of practice. The successful candidate will
benefit from access to the rich cultural environment that
characterizes Harvard University and the Boston area.

For more information about preservation and imaging at the
University please see <URL:http://preserve.harvard.edu/>

For information about employment at Harvard see
<URL:http://www.employment.harvard.edu/>

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.

Interested parties may apply online at:

    <URL:http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/search_req>

to Requisition 31287.

Sherrie L. Whang
Harvard College Library
Human Resource Services
Widener Library G-20
Cambridge, MA, 02138
617-495-3721


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:22
                Distributed: Monday, September 10, 2007
                       Message Id: cdl-21-22-033
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