Position at Michigan State University

Special Collections Conservator
Michigan State University Libraries

Reporting to the Head of Conservation and Preservation and working
closely with staff in the Wallace Conservation Lab, Special
Collections, and other library units, as well as with partners at
other institutions, the Special Collections Conservator is
responsible for the conservation treatment of rare and unique
library materials in the Michigan State University Libraries.
Duties will include:

    Complex conservation treatments on rare books, maps and special
    collections materials from throughout the library including, but
    not limited to: re-sewing; leather and vellum rebinding and
    binding conservation; gold and blind tooling; conservation of
    paper and vellum, including aqueous and chemical treatment; and
    the creation of custom protective enclosures for a variety of
    rare and archival materials.

    Assisting the Head of Conservation and Preservation in managing
    and planning the conservation program, including: establishing
    conservation priorities within the various special collections
    libraries; managing and planning treatment methods and
    procedures for a wide range of library materials; training
    conservation technicians, volunteers and student workers;
    condition assessments and the management of preventative care.

    Preparation of rare and special collections materials for
    exhibition.

    Consulting with other library staff on conservation and
    preservation issues and providing training for library staff in
    minor repairs for their collections.

    Assist with disaster preparedness and recovery and serve as a
    member of the Disaster Recovery Committee.

Librarians are appointed as regular faculty in a continuing
appointment system and are engaged in professional development,
scholarly and creative activities related to their position.
Additionally, librarians serve on library and university committees
as elected or assigned.

Michigan State University Libraries serve more the 4,900 faculty,
36,000 undergraduates, and 11,000 graduate and professional students
on a park-like campus of over 5,000 acres.  The Main Library and 4
branch libraries have combined holdings of over 5 million volumes.
East Lansing is a community of 50,000 located adjacent to Lansing,
the State capital.

Minimum Qualifications: Master's degree in information or library
science from a program accredited by the American Library
Association.  Knowledge of current conservation principles,
practices, and procedures as evidenced by a graduate degree in
conservation, or the completion of a conservation apprenticeship
with an established conservator, or a verifiable certification of
advanced training and education.  Excellent oral and written
communication skills; outstanding interpersonal communication skills
including the ability to be flexible in a dynamic and changing
environment; exceptional commitment to customer service; ability to
work enthusiastically and effectively with diverse faculty,
students, and staff; ability to work collaboratively and
independently; ability to prioritize and balance various unit needs;
attention to detail; preparation and commitment to conducting
independent scholarly and creative activities consistent with a
library faculty appointment; capacity and commitment to engage
independently in continuing professional development.

A portfolio of work will be required at the interview.

Desired Qualifications: Experience in a conservation program for
rare materials and special collections; experience in treatment
decision-making; advanced knowledge of hand bookbinding techniques
and principles; working knowledge of chemistry as it applies to
conservation treatments.

Closing date: 5pm, Thursday, April 24, 2014

Special Instructions to Applicants

Minimum $50,000; MSU provides generous fringe benefits.

Interested applicants should provide a letter of application, resume
and names, addresses and email addresses of three references.
Posting number 9201.  To apply visit the MSU Applicant Page website
at
    <URL:https://jobs.msu.edu>

 For questions, please contact

    Jacquelyn Hanson
    MSU Libraries Human Resources Department
    aholajac<-a t->mail< . >lib< . >msu< . >edu

Eric Alstrom
Head of Conservation and Preservation
Michigan State University Libraries
517-884-0905
Fax: 517-353-3532 (call first)


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