Position at University of Virginia

Conservator for University Library Collections
University of Virginia Library

Position Number:  FP659
<URL:http://jobs.virginia.edu>

The University of Virginia Library seeks a digitally savvy and
energetic conservation professional for the position of Conservator
for University Library Collections.  The successful candidate will
actively steward U.Va. Library's renowned circulating and special
collections through conservation treatment and preservation
programming.  Conservation activities at U.Va. are undergoing an
exciting period of growth.  With support from the Andrew W. Mellon
Foundation, the U.Va. Library will build a conservation lab and
program for the treatment of general and special collections.  The
Conservator for University Library Collections will have the rare
opportunity to design, equip, staff, and manage a hybrid
conservation lab for a major academic research library system.
Preservation Services supports the teaching and research programs of
the University of Virginia by facilitating and preserving access to
the collections of the University of Virginia Library. Units within
Preservation Services include Library Binding and Shelf Preparation,
Audio and Moving Image Preservation, and Conservation. Preservation
Services is a department in Content Management Services and partners
with units throughout the library to advise on preservation issues,
to participate in special projects, to educate via preservation
programming. Environment:  The University of Virginia Library is a
leader in innovative customer service, the development of digital
library initiatives and infrastructure, and in the strength and
variety of its collections.  The Library system consists of twelve
libraries, with independent libraries for health sciences, law, and
business. The libraries support 12,000 undergraduates, 6,000
graduate students and 1,600 teaching faculty. The University and the
Library have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among
faculty and staff. The Library's homepage is available at
<URL:http://www.lib.virginia.edu>. The Neoclassical buildings of
founder Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village still serve as the
center of the University's Grounds and as a unique backdrop for
teaching, learning, and research. For a virtual tour of the
University of Virginia grounds, visit:
<URL:http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/slideshow/>.

Responsibilities:  Reporting to the Head of Preservation Services,
the Conservator for University Library Collections directs and
participates in the conservation treatment program for both general
and special collections and serves as the Library's lead expert on
the conservation of library collections. This individual will:
consult with collection managers to evaluate conservation treatment
needs, to establish priorities, and to provide long-range
conservation planning; equip and maintain a state-of-the-art
conservation lab; be responsible for the management and efficient
utilization of conservation lab staff, including student assistants,
volunteers, and interns; establish conservation procedures, manage
the process to assign incoming materials to appropriate workflows,
and assure the quality and timeliness of all work performed in the
conservation lab; request and manage budgets related to conservation
lab supply, equipment, and staffing needs;  maintain and analyze
conservation statistics; coordinate all outsourced conservation
treatment services; participate in emergency response planning and
recovery; identify potential sources of grant funding for
conservation activities; and participate in opportunities to provide
outreach, training, and advice to University Library staff, and
University departments and community.  The Conservator for
University Library Collections is further expected to maintain
professional affiliations in conservation and preservation
organizations and to stay abreast of the latest developments in
conservation principles and practices.

Qualifications: Required: An ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent
advanced degree in library or information science or related
discipline. Candidates must have extensive knowledge of conservation
principles and practices and the ability to perform complex
conservation treatment on paper-based general and special
collections. A working knowledge of current and emerging digital and
physical preservation technologies, standards, and practices is
required.

Preferred: An advanced certificate in conservation of library and
archival materials or related discipline is preferred.  Candidates
should have a minimum of two years experience in the conservation of
library collections and a comprehensive knowledge of the
organization and administration of conservation programs in an
academic library. Candidates should be able to demonstrate evidence
of ongoing professional development and contribution.  The candidate
should possess excellent interpersonal skill with the ability to
communicate clearly, knowledgeably, and personably, orally and in
writing. Supervisory experience is preferred, with a demonstrated
ability to work effectively with a diverse staff at all levels.

Salary and Benefits:  Competitive depending on qualifications. This
position has Administrative and Professional faculty status with
excellent benefits, including 22 days of vacation and TIAA/CREF and
other retirement plans. Review of applications will begin Wednesday,
August 13, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled.
Applicants must apply through the University of Virginia online
employment website at https://jobs.virginia.edu/.  Search by
position number FP659, complete application, and attach cover letter
and resume, with contact information for three current, professional
references.  For assistance with this process contact Library Human
Resources at 434-924-3081.

The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative
Action employer strongly committed to achieving excellence through
cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications
and nominations from members of underrepresented groups.

Holly Robertson
Head, Preservation Services
University of Virginia Library
Alderman Library
Preservation - Rm 113
PO Box 400150
Charlottesville VA 22904-4150
434-924-1055


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 22:7
                   Distributed: Friday, July 25, 2008
                        Message Id: cdl-22-7-019
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