Position at University of Michigan

Conservation Librarian/Book Conservator
University of Michigan Library
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA

The University of Michigan Library has received a $1.25 million
challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund a new
senior conservator position in its Department of Preservation and
Conservation. The Mellon Foundation grant includes $1 million in
permanent endowment funds and $250,000 to establish the new position
while the library raises matching funds for the endowment, which
will support the position permanently.

The U-M library has launched a nationwide search for an experienced
and talented book conservator to join its established conservation
team.

Principle Responsibilities

    Conservation Treatment. Plans, documents, and performs complex
    conservation treatments on materials held in the library's rare
    and special collections. Scope of expertise is principally bound
    volumes on paper with additional experience in related areas
    such as the treatment of maps, prints, drawings, and manuscripts
    on paper, photographic materials, documents on vellum or
    papyrus, or other library/archive materials.

    Management. Develops standards, policies, procedures, and
    selection of materials used in conservation treatments. Trains,
    supervises, or coordinates the work of others such as
    conservation technicians, student assistants, interns,
    volunteers, or staff from other units as needed either on a
    project basis or permanent staff. Designs and executes special
    conservation projects including grant-funded projects,
    conservation aspects of exhibits or digitization, and loan
    preparations. Assists in providing disaster recovery services
    for library materials.

    Research and Outreach. Contributes to the conservation field in
    areas of specialization through service, research, writing,
    presentations, and/or teaching. Engages in outreach to the
    campus, local, and regional cultural heritage community.

QUALIFICATIONS

    ALA-accredited master's degree, a master's degree in
    conservation, or equivalent advanced degree and experience is
    required. This is a senior-level position requiring extensive
    professional experience, preferably in a research library
    environment.

    Extensive knowledge of the materiality and history of books,
    paper, and related library materials. Detailed understanding and
    high-level experience of relevant conservation theory and
    practice. Understanding and adherence to professional ethical
    practice in conservation.

    Demonstrated excellent organizational, project management,
    interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written.
    Ability to work independently and in a group environment as part
    of a well-functioning and diverse team. Computer skills:
    communications, word processing, spreadsheets, database
    management, and image processing.

    Demonstrated ability to contribute to the profession through
    service, teaching, research and/or publication.

    Previous experience supervising technicians, interns, or student
    assistants preferred.

More detailed information about the position, benefits, and
application procedure at:

    <URL:http://www.lib.umich.edu/library-human-resources/librarian-positions>

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin March 25,
2013 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative
action employer.

Shannon Zachary
Head, Dept. of Preservation and Conservation
University of Michigan Library
734-763-6980


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