Position at Harvard

Helen H. Glaser Conservator
Harvard College Library
Weissman Preservation Center
Cambridge, MA

The Helen H. Glaser Conservator works in the Weissman Preservation
Center under the general direction of the James W. Needham Chief
Conservator for Special Collections.  This individual plays a
leadership role in paper conservation across the Harvard University
Library and is the libraries' senior-most paper conservator. In the
Harvard College Library he/she is responsible for the care and
treatment of rare and unique materials, largely unbound and ranging
from historic documents to works of art on paper held in special
collections (including the Department of Manuscripts, Department of
Printing and Graphic Arts, and Harvard Theatre Collection in
Houghton Library; the Harvard Map Collection; the Harvard-Yenching,
Fine Arts, and Music libraries; and other significant collections).
The Glaser Conservator also manages the flow of materials through
the Weissman Preservation Center from collections other than those
of the College, assessing damage, writing treatment proposals, and
assigning and evaluating work.

    *   In consultation with librarians, curators, and archivists,
        examines, develops treatment specifications for, and treats
        materials in the Harvard College Library collections. These
        include manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other
        (largely) unbound archival and special collections materials
        on paper and vellum, as well as three-dimensional paper
        objects.

    *   Prepares condition and treatment reports including photo
        documentation.

    *   Supervises and coordinates the work of the paper conservator
        and paper technician for HCL collections, the paper
        conservator for HUL collections, project conservators and
        technicians, and practitioners under contract with the
        Weissman Preservation Center.

    *   Conducts condition surveys, analyzes results, and assists in
        the development of action plans.

    *   Advises curators and librarians regarding archival supplies
        and housing techniques.

    *   Contributes to the maintenance of vendor files and the
        purchase of paper conservation supplies and equipment

    *   Selects materials for a conservation resource library.

    *   Serves on the Library Collections Emergency Team.

    *   Handles sharp tools, lifts up to 30 lbs., and escorts
        materials from one building to another. Some tasks involve
        exposure to dust.

Basic Qualifications

    *   Graduate degree in paper conservation required.

    *   Minimum of six years professional experience in a recognized
        conservation facility.

    *   Demonstrated excellence performing a broad range of complex
        conservation treatments.

    *   In-depth knowledge of history of paper, papermaking, history
        of printing, printmaking processes, media.

    *   Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science.

    *   Ability to write specifications, document treatments,
        prepare reports.

    *   Supervisory experience required, preferably supervising
        professional staff.

Additional Requirements

    *   Experience in a research library setting preferred.

    *   Excellent public speaking, teaching/training skills

    *   Contributions to professional literature.

    *   Strong organizational skills.

    *   Ability to initiate and adapt to change, analyze/ and solve
        problems, be flexible, work collaboratively, establish
        priorities, and achieve goals.

The Weissman Preservation Center is dedicated to assessing,
preserving, and making accessible the rare and unique materials
(exclusively) held in the libraries and other entities at Harvard.
The fully equipped WPC Conservation Laboratory is currently staffed
by 20 FTE conservators and technicians. The Preservation and Imaging
division of the Harvard College Library, a companion program staffed
by 70 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 further information, please visit:

    <URL:http://preserve.harvard.edu>

Interested parties may apply online at:

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

Search using Requisition #32940

Appointment salary is dependent on qualifications and experience.
The review of applications will begin immediately and continue until
the position is filled.

Harvard University offers a competitive program of benefits. For
information about employment at Harvard please visit:

    <URL:http://www.employment.harvard.edu/>.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.

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 21:45
                  Distributed: Tuesday, March 4, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-45-008
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