[PADG:1433] position at Ohio State University Libraries

[Wes Boomgaarden <boomgaarden.1@xxxxxxx>]

Date: September 4, 2001
 From Wes Boomgaarden <boomgaarden.1@xxxxxxx>
Subject: Position at Ohio State University Libraries

Book and Paper Conservator
Ohio State University Libraries

Position Available: Immediately

Responsibilities: The Ohio State University Libraries Preservation
Office seeks a Book and Paper Conservator for the Libraries? large and
growing special collections. The Conservator reports to the Preservation
Officer, with primary duties focusing on all aspects of book and paper
conservation. The Conservator works closely with librarians and curators
of special collections ? principally the Cartoon Research Library, the
Charvat American Fiction Collection, the Hilandar Research Library, Rare
Books & Manuscripts, the Library of the Lawrence & Lee Theatre
Research Institute, the Byrd Polar Research Center Archival Program, the
John Glenn Archives, and the University Archives ? on a wide variety of
single-item conservation treatments and physical care for those
collections. Under the direction of the Preservation Officer, librarians,
and curators, the Conservator will establish preservation and
conservation priorities and treatment strategies; carry out condition
surveys and needs assessments; develop and manage treatment projects of
rare book, manuscript, art on paper, and visual materials collections;
participate in the conservation components of exhibit preparation; advise
curators on the care of film, video, artifacts, textiles, and other
non-book / paper materials; train and teach skills to other staff; and
monitor environments of rare materials storage areas. The overall ratio
of bench work to other related responsibilities is expected to be
approximately 80/20. The Conservator will prioritize treatments, plan
work flow, and maintain high standards of productivity and quality. S/he
will generate written and photographic documentation of items brought
into the studio, and keep treatment records in established databases and
computer files. Work will be done in accordance with the Code of Ethics
and Guidelines of Practice of the American Institute for Conservation of
Artistic and Historic Work (AIC). The Conservator will manage daily
operations of the studio (maintain equipment, order supplies, etc.) and
prepare statistics and reports.

Skills required: Must have demonstrated ability to carry out
complex conservation treatments on rare and unique artifacts. Must be
able to create photographic documentation and to write coherent condition
and treatment reports. (Candidates will be required to present and
discuss a portfolio of past treatments during the interview.) Must have
excellent decision-making and problem-solving skills; strong
organizational skills; the ability to create, analyze, and follow
efficient work flow routines and to establish procedures that maximize
efficiency; ability to work independently; strong interpersonal skills;
and excellent oral and written communication skills.

Qualifications: Required: The position requires a bachelor's
degree and a minimum of five years professional experience in solving
conservation problems for rare books, manuscripts, works of art on paper,
and archival collections. Training should include knowledge of
conservation principles and practices, and of the physical and chemical
nature of paper, books, and conservation materials; and a full
understanding of principles of book conservation, history of book
structure, binding techniques, and materials science. 

Demonstrated ability to work on wide range of rare book and paper
collections in a complex organization and to communicate effectively
about their treatment needs. Working knowledge of safety and handling
procedures for materials such as aerosols and organic solvents. Ability
to work independently and to structure one's time.   Portfolio:
Applicants chosen for interview must present a portfolio of conservation
treatments of rare books and works of art on paper, including
documentation materials.

Desirable: AIC Fellow status; training experience. 

Salary: Salary dependent upon experience and qualifications. The
position is classified as Administrative and Professional staff.

Benefits: Vacation, sick leave, and 10 holidays. Hospitalization,
major medical, surgical-medical, dental, vision, and long-term disability
insurance; life insurance at 2.5 times one?s annual salary. State and
alternative retirement system available.

Application: Applications will be accepted until the position is
filled. Preference will be given to applications received by October 1,
2001. Send letter of interest with a current resume and name, address,
phone, and e-mail address of three references to Toni Morrison-Smith,
Personnel Officer (see address above), phone (614)292-5917, FAX
(614)292-7859, e-mail morrison-smith.1@xxxxxxxx

The Ohio State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action
employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities
are encouraged to apply.