Position at Harvard

Paper Conservator
Weissman Preservation Center
Harvard University Library
<URL:http://hul.harvard.edu>

Grade Level: 56

Please note this is a One Year Term Appointment

Harvard's Weissman Preservation Center (WPC) has an exciting
opportunity to hire a Paper Conservator. The department is located
right in the heart of Harvard Square MA.

The incumbent performs both basic and complex paper conservation
treatments for a wide variety of primarily unbound manuscripts,
printed materials, and art on paper and parchment for the rare and
special collections in the Harvard University Library. Work duties
will be focused on assessing and treating materials in the Harvard
University Archives for digitization. Please note: This is a one
year term appointment position that will start January 2010.

The following are duties and responsibilities that the incumbent
will be responsible for:

    Examines, develops treatment specifications for, and treats
    special collection materials comprising (largely) unbound
    manuscripts, printed materials, and art on paper and vellum held
    in the Harvard University Library.

    Prepares condition assessments, treatment proposals, and
    treatment reports including photo documentation. Tests and
    identifies pigments and fibers and conducts other types of
    analysis.

    Assists with conservation projects for the special collection as
    needed. Conducts condition surveys and collection assessments,
    analyzes results, sets priorities, and develops action plans to
    treat and specify protective enclosures for materials. Consults
    with curators, conducts correspondence, and attends meetings
    representing the Weissman Preservation Center. Advises curators
    and librarians regarding archival supplies and housing
    techniques.Contributes to the maintenance of vendor files,
    inventories of book and paper conservation supplies and
    equipment, and the selection of materials for the Weissman
    Preservation Center resource library.

Basic Qualifications: Master's degree in paper conservation,
conservation experience in a recognized facility, and demonstrated
excellence performing complex conservation treatments and a minimum
of two years of work experience is required. The incumbent must have
an in-depth knowledge of paper and papermaking history; the history
of drawing, writing, printing and printmaking materials and
techniques; and working knowledge of chemistry of paper, vellum,
inks, dyes, pigments, and other media prominent in library and
archives collections. Excellent oral and written communication
skills are required. The incumbent must be able to lift heavy,
large, and/or awkward objects, folders, and boxes and transport them
to libraries across the Harvard campus.

Additional Qualifications: Strong organizational skills including
the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals, to initiate
and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, to be flexible,
and to work both independently and collaboratively. Ability to
communicate clearly and effectively with colleagues and clients in
many venues. Working knowledge of one or more languages other than
English is desirable. Experience with bound material is desirable.

Additional Information: The Weissman Preservation Center, acting on
behalf of students, faculty members, and researchers at Harvard
University and beyond, manages and implements programs and projects
dedicated to assessing, preserving, and making accessible the
holdings, in all formats, of the Harvard University Library. Please
visit our website for additional information at:

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

Please note that the work associated with this position is performed
in the Weissman Preservation Center conservation laboratory, a state
of the art facility where treatment of diverse rare and unique
materials from special collections throughout the Harvard University
Library is carried out. There is the possibility of exposure to
dust, molds, and other biological agents of deterioration; and to
objects from library collections that have been treated with
biocides. For more information on Harvard's benefit and compensation
coverage, please go to:

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

Please apply via the Harvard Employment website and include a cover
letter and resume:

    <URL:http://jobs.harvard.edu/jobs/summ_req?in_post_id=42471>

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.

Jennifer Goldstein
Human Resources Officer
Harvard University Library
90 Mount Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

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                  Conservation DistList Instance 23:16
                 Distributed: Friday, November 6, 2009
                       Message Id: cdl-23-16-016
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