Position at New York Society Library

Book Conservator
New York Society Library

The New York Society Library seeks qualified candidates for the
permanent full or part-time position of Book Conservator.  The Book
Conservator will participate in all activities carried out by the
lab including but not limited to item-level conservation treatment
of materials held in both the Rare Book and circulating collections
of the library; collection-level preservation projects and library
exhibition setup responsibilities including but not limited to book
cradle construction, signage and installation.

The Book Conservator can expect to work closely with colleagues in
the library, including curatorial, reference, cataloging and public
services staff, while carrying out lab activities.  Although bench
work will be a primary focus of this position, the Book Conservator
should be prepared to spend some time also promoting the lab by way
of conducting tours and arranging workshops for library members that
are geared towards both adults and children.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Book Conservator will:

    Perform a range of conservation treatments of circulating
    library materials, rare books, archives and other library
    materials

    Prepare photographic and written documentation of treatments
    where required

    Participate in disaster planning, recovery and environmental
    monitoring

    Participate in the administrative duties of the lab including,
    but not limited to, ordering supplies, managing the budget,
    keeping statistics and participating in department head meetings
    as necessary

    Conduct tours, demonstrate techniques and treatments to visitors
    and NYSL staff

    Keep abreast of recent developments in the field and represent
    the library through attendance at conferences and participation
    in professional organizations

    Perform other duties as required

Qualifications

    Demonstrated working knowledge of current conservation theory
    and practice, as well as the history of books, bookbinding and
    papermaking

    Knowledge of a wide range of conservation treatments and
    experience working with a variety of binding materials

    Demonstrated ability to recognize the causes of damage to
    library materials and select and perform appropriate treatments

    Demonstrated ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze
    and solve problems, to be flexible and work well collaboratively
    and collegially in a small, but dynamic organizational setting,
    as well as independently

    Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish
    priorities and achieve goals

    Demonstrated technology skills, including a familiarity with
    digital equipment and software

    Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills

    Physical ability to undertake collection care duties such as
    moving books and materials weighing up to 40 pounds, operating
    lab machinery and working in sometimes dusty and moldy
    environments

Experience and Education

    Graduate degree in conservation with a specialization in books
    and/or library and archival materials; an MLS degree from an
    ALA-accredited library program with advanced training in
    conservation or an equivalent combination of experience,
    education and training

    At least five years post-internship bench experience required,
    preferably in a research/membership library or similar
    institution

To Apply: Please email a resume and cover letter to
cwaters_at_@nysoclib.org.  Please include "Book Conservator
Application" in subject line.

The New York Society Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.


                                  ***
                  Conservation DistList Instance 29:27
               Distributed: Wednesday, November 25, 2015
                       Message Id: cdl-29-27-023
                                  ***