Position at University of Kansas Libraries

Assistant Conservator for Special Collections
University of Kansas Libraries

Conservation Services at the University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS)
seeks applicants for the position of Assistant Conservator for
Special Collections

Application deadline: February 23, 2015
Apply at

    <URL:https://employment.ku.edu/staff/2712BR>

Departmental Program Summary: The Conservation Services Department
provides leadership, coordination, expertise, and services within a
comprehensive, system-wide program to preserve KU Libraries'
paper-based collections.

The Assistant Conservator for Special Collections will serve a
central role in the Stannard Conservation Laboratory with primary
responsibility for special collections held by Kenneth Spencer
Research Library.  This position, under the direct supervision of
the Head of Conservation Services, helps manage and undertake a
range of mission-critical daily operations of the Stannard
Conservation Laboratory including: evaluating damaged collections;
making treatment decisions and performing conservation treatments on
special collections materials; providing exhibition preparation and
support; undertaking conservation assessments and surveys; and
participating in emergency preparedness and response operations.

Conservation treatment: 70%

    Drafts treatment proposals and specifications, and provides
    basic time estimates for work to be undertaken, for rare books,
    manuscripts, archival materials, and other paper-based library
    collections

    Performs highly complex conservation tasks that require
    knowledge and expertise in multiple techniques to solve unique
    problems.  Treatments applied in combination include but are not
    limited to conservation rebinding, rebacking and board
    reattachment; surface cleaning; aqueous washing and alkalization
    treatments; mending with various papers; lining; backing
    removal; tape and adhesive removal; matting and encapsulation;
    and enclosure construction

    Carries out proposed treatments and repairs to library and
    archival materials with minimal supervision and in accordance
    with accepted standards for conservation practice

    Documents treatments using a range of written and photographic
    techniques according to accepted standards for conservation
    practice

    Selects and uses appropriate specialized tools and equipment
    appropriate for the treatment, including, but not limited to:
    hand tools, book presses, board shear, guillotine, ultrasonic
    welder, and suction table; may also perform maintenance on this
    equipment

    Designs and constructs both simple and complex, custom-fitting
    enclosures for fragile materials bearing in mind the unique
    needs of those formats and their chemical interactions with the
    materials available for construction

    Assists in the preparation of library materials for exhibition.
    Fabricates simple and complex mounts.  Assists with installation
    and de-installation

Project management: 15%

    Develops and implements workflows for conservation projects

    Assists in training staff, students, interns, and volunteers, as
    necessary

    Provides technical advice on the housing, storage, handling and
    repair of special collections

    Advises library staff on conservation principles and practices

Departmental responsibilities: 15%

    Serves on the Collections Emergency Response Team and assists
    with disaster preparedness and recovery operations following
    standard procedures

    Undertakes collection surveys to assess condition and prioritize
    conservation treatments, as necessary

    Assists with preventive programs such as environmental
    monitoring and pest management as needed

    Stays current with developments in the field of library and
    archives conservation

    Prepares, conducts, and participates in staff and public
    outreach and education efforts

    Participates in departmental meetings and planning activities,
    including departmental goal-setting

    Compiles statistics and prepares reports as appropriate

    Assists with equipping the conservation laboratories to meet
    current and anticipated future treatment needs.  May order
    supplies, tools, and equipment as needed

    Participates in the broader work of KU Libraries by serving on
    committees, working groups, and task forces as appropriate

    Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

    B.A. degree

    1 year relevant experience, including training in book or paper
    conservation

Preferred:

    M.A. degree from a recognized conservation training program or
    related field, or demonstration of a similar level of education
    and training required for the conservation of rare materials

    A portfolio of relevant work if selected for interview

    Demonstrated knowledge of physical and chemical mechanisms of
    deterioration of library and archives materials

    Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques, and
    history of bookbinding, paper treatment, and conservation

    Demonstrated knowledge of conservation ethics and practices
    relevant to research library and archival materials; commitment
    to the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics and
    Standards for Practice

    Excellent manual dexterity and sustained concentration with
    delicate and occasionally repetitive tasks

    Basic computer skills including word processing and use of
    spreadsheets

    Competency in Adobe Photoshop and InDesign

    Experience working in an academic research library

    Experience managing conservation technicians or students

    Experience evaluating and treating materials for digital imaging
    projects

    Experience in exhibit preparation

    Demonstrated record of continuing education in conservation
    through workshops, lectures, and conference attendance

    Ability to communicate effectively about treatment options and
    decisions

    Demonstrated ability to work independently

    Effective organizational skills

For more information on Spencer Research Library's collections, see

    <URL:http://spencer.lib.ku.edu>

Whitney Baker
Head, Conservation Services / Librarian
University of Kansas Libraries
1425 Jayhawk Blvd., #135
Lawrence, KS 66045
785-864-3568


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