Position at Southern Methodist University

Conservation Technician (Library Specialist 4)
Job ID#: - 90077
Bridwell Library
Perkins School of Theology
Southern Methodist University

Salary range
Low to upper 30's

Deadline to Apply: The position is open until filled.

This announcement is posted on behalf of the Bridwell Library of the
Perkins School of Theology in Southern Methodist University, who are
not members of this list.  Please refer questions to the Bridwell
Library Administrative Office at bridadmin<-a t->smu< . >edu

Responsibilities Bridwell Library seeks an individual experienced in
the repair and conservation of paper-based collections for the new
position of Conservation Technician. Bridwell Library of the Perkins
School of Theology is Southern Methodist University's primary
resource for collections in the fields of religion and theology. The
library has over 370,000 volumes in its general collection and
50,000 rare books and manuscripts. The library building includes a
well-equipped conservation lab.

The Conservation Technician is responsible for all aspects related
to commercial bindery shipments as well as the repair and
conservation of the library's paper-based general collections and
selected special collections. This position performs a wide variety
of treatments on paper, cloth and leather bindings according to
established standards and procedures.

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

    Prepare materials for shipment to the commercial bindery
    including evaluating the condition of individual items,
    collating materials, preparing bindery slips, changing item
    records in Voyager and packing boxes;

    Process materials returned from the bindery including unpacking
    boxes, reviewing items for quality control and changing item
    records in Voyager;

    Compile bindery statistics;

    Communicate with commercial bindery personnel to resolve
    problems;

    Perform conservation treatments utilizing established
    conservation standards and procedures on general collections
    materials and on selected special collections materials
    identified by Special Collections staff;

    Assess condition for appropriate course of action (i.e. in-house
    repair or treatment, commercial bindery, or purchase
    replacement);

    Complete in-house repairs on general collections materials such
    as surface-cleaning, re-casing text blocks, replacing spines and
    endpapers, repairing paper tears, photocopying and tipping-in
    replacement pages and constructing a variety of protective
    enclosures;

    Complete in-house repairs on special collections materials such
    as paper repairs, construction of boxes and other protective
    enclosures, and additional specialized treatments;

    Maintain inventory of conservation lab supplies;

    Manage registration process for materials transferred to and
    from conservation, maintain treatment records and photographic
    documentation as needed.

    Participate in digitization of materials.

    Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

    Bachelor's degree is strongly preferred. Advanced training in
    book repair and conservation, either by coursework or
    apprenticeship is required.

    A minimum of two years of applied experience in conservation of
    paper-based collections in library/museum/archives setting or
    private conservation lab is required.

    A working knowledge of accepted library conservation standards,
    practices and terminology and of proper use of conservation
    tools, equipment and supplies is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

    Candidate must possess a high level of accuracy and attention to
    detail. Must also possess strong organizational and
    time-management skills with the ability to prioritize and manage
    multiple tasks concurrently. Strong interpersonal, oral and
    written communication skills are required.

    Candidate must be able to push a full book truck. Must also be
    able to lift at least 40 pounds and unpack, shelve and shift
    large quantities of library materials. High level of manual
    dexterity and strong visual acuity are essential.

    Candidate must be able to work in an environment in which
    exposure to materials containing dust and mold is likely.

    Basic computer and related technology skills are required. Prior
    experience with an integrated library system is preferred.

Priority consideration may be given to submissions received by
January 6, 2012.

SMU is an AA/EO employer committed to excellence through diversity.

Applications must be submitted through the Staff Career Opportunities
link on the Southern Methodist University Human Resources website:

    <URL:http://smu.edu/hr/recruit>


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                  Conservation DistList Instance 25:28
                 Distributed: Sunday, December 11, 2011
                       Message Id: cdl-25-28-039
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