Position at University of Chicago

Conservator
The University of Chicago Library

The University of Chicago is inviting applicants for the position of
Conservator. Located on the ground floor of the newly-constructed
Joe and Rika Mansueto Library in the heart of the campus, the
Preservation Department includes a fully equipped laboratory for the
conservation of materials in original forms and a Digitization lab.
The Mansueto Library was designed by Chicago architect Helmut Jahn
to accommodate an underground automated retrieval system to store
more than 3 million volumes. The library's elliptical glass dome
also contains a grand reading room seating 180. For information
about the Mansueto Library, please visit

    <URL:http://mansueto.lib.uchicago.edu/>

The Conservator provides professional expertise in determining the
proper course of treatment for library and archival materials in
need of conservation.  He/She reports to the Head of Conservation
and works closely with Special Collection Research Center (SCRC)
staff, Subject Specialists, Access Services staff, and others to
specify treatments and oversee laboratory operations. The
Conservator is responsible for intermediate repair, and complex
conservation treatment for both general and special collections
materials in accordance with accepted conservation standards. The
Conservator is familiar with and executes a wide range of
conservation treatments on paper-based library and archival
materials.

Treatment Responsibilities:

    Examines and analyzes collection material and applies
    appropriate decision-making criteria for treatment based on type
    of material, knowledge of historical bindings, and use patterns
    within the library

    Executes complex and intermediate conservation treatments within
    accepted standards and the American Institute for Conservation
    (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice

    Creates full written and photographic treatment documentation

    Conducts individual item assessments and collection-based
    surveys of general and special library collections in
    cooperation with other library staff

    Trains staff and students in general and specialized
    conservation procedures and related activities

    Maintains a current awareness of conservation principles and
    practices as they apply to library and archival materials;
    cultivates and tests new treatment procedures and approaches to
    problem-solving as needed

    Develops and maintains required treatment documentation records
    and systems for collecting relevant conservation statistics

    Researches and recommends laboratory equipment and supplies

Preservation Responsibilities:

    Serves as a resource on broader preservation issues for the
    Library in areas such as environmental control and storage

    Assists with disaster recovery and preparedness activities

    Assists in environmental monitoring

    Keeps informed of developments and research in the field of
    conservation and related disciplines, via published literature
    and online sources, and through professional memberships,
    meetings and workshops

Collaborative Responsibilities:

    Provides leadership in outreach and preservation
    education/awareness efforts for Library staff and users, the
    University of Chicago community, and others

    Provides expertise and collaborates with the SCRC Preservation
    Manager to accomplish work in areas of common concern, and care
    and handling of material during exhibition and digitization

    Works with subject specialists to set treatment priorities

    Works with Access Services staff to support use-driven selection
    mechanisms and encourage general care and handling practices
    that positively impact the collections and their continued use

    Advises Library staff on day-to-day preservation questions and
    concerns related to conservation and collection care

    Serves on committees and participates in working groups as
    appropriate

Required Qualifications:

    A Bachelor of Arts; and an advanced degree or certificate in
    Conservation

    One or more years of post-internship experience in the field of
    Conservation of library and archival materials

    The successful candidate must have the following

    A working knowledge of organic chemistry and its application in
    the field of conservation

    Demonstrated knowledge of current conservation theory and
    practice

    A thorough understanding of the principles of preservation with
    regard to library and archival materials

    A thorough understanding of the history and technology of book
    structures, printing processes, photographic processes, and
    paper making

    Ability to perform complex conservation treatments on library
    and archival materials as demonstrated by a portfolio

    Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills

    Ability to lift at least 50 pounds

    Demonstrated computer and related technology skills

Preferred qualifications:

    Experience writing databases in Access

    Experience in the conservation unit of a research library

The Preservation Department consists of three Units: Conservation,
Binding and Shelf-Preparation, and Digitization. The Department
provides system-wide services, is engaged in the management of
preservation projects, provides emergency preparedness and response
assistance, and consults on a wide range of preservation concerns.
Preservation Department staff members are active participants in
regional groups and contribute to national initiatives in the field.

Application: Please submit a cover letter, resume and reference
contact information at

    <URL:https://jobopportunities.uchicago.edu>
    under requisition 088320

Applications received by December 16, 2011 will be assured
consideration. Candidates invited to interview will be asked to
present a portfolio representative of conservation treatment work in
the area of library and archival materials.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Employer.

For more details concerning this position, please contact:

    Ann Lindsey
    Head of Conservation
    The University of Chicago
    1100 E. 57th Street
    Chicago, IL 60637
    773-702-1681
    annlindsey<-a t->uchicago< . >edu


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:19
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