Position at Columbia

Conservation Assistant
Conservation Department
Columbia University Libraries

Position ID # 052861
(Bibliographic Assistant VI)

Salary Grade $652.21/week

This is a full-time union position with comprehensive benefits and
20 days paid vacation.

Duties:

    Under the supervision of the Head of Conservation, performs both
    simple and complex conservation repairs on bound materials from
    the University Libraries' general collections.  Re-binds,
    re-cases or performs other appropriate repairs to circulating
    books, including re-backing, re-sewing, and paper repairs.

    Utilizes technical skills and judgment to select and carry out
    appropriate, conservation quality repairs on pre-1850 and other
    artifactually important bound volumes from general collections,
    with emphasis on retaining original character and binding
    features. Fabricates protective enclosures for books, compact
    discs, fold-out maps, etc.  Encapsulates fragile documents in
    polyester film.  Assists conservators with re-housing projects
    or batch treatment of rare and special collections materials as
    needed.  Participates in disaster response and recovery of
    general and special collections materials. Other duties as
    assigned.

Skills:

    BA/BS preferred.  Minimum one year full-time experience in
    binding and repair of multi-section case-bound books, preferably
    in library or archives conservation setting; or completion of
    internship, apprenticeship or training program resulting in
    equivalent skills and knowledge.  Must have experience with
    basic binding and repair procedures and understanding of book
    structures; excellent manual dexterity and attention to detail;
    ability and willingness to work according to departmental
    specifications; ability to perform routine repairs with speed
    and accuracy; ability to handle fragile and rare materials with
    care.  Familiarity with basic conservation philosophy and
    ethics; ability to work independently; good analytical skills;
    good communications and interpersonal skills essential.   Basic
    word-processing skills helpful. Requires operation of
    specialized equipment (e.g. ultrasonic welder, fume hood,
    guillotine cutter) and use of various chemicals under controlled
    conditions.  Applicants should be able to work standing up for
    extended periods of time, lift heavy objects, and work with
    dusty books and documents.

Applicants are encouraged to provide a portfolio or examples of
previous conservation work.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  Those

received before April 17, 2008 will receive priority consideration.

Interested applicants must apply via:

  <URL:http://jobs.columbia.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=109843>

Alexis Hagadorn
Head of Conservation
Columbia University Libraries


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 21:49
                  Distributed: Friday, March 14, 2008
                       Message Id: cdl-21-49-016
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