[PADG:1538] position posting

[Richard Frieder <richard.frieder@xxxxxxxx>]

Head of Preservation and Chief Preservation Officer
Yale University Library
Rank: Librarian III - V

The University and the Library
The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching
and research at the University, has more than 10.5 million volumes housed
in the Sterling Memorial Library and 16 school and departmental
libraries. It employs a dynamic and innovative staff of nearly 600 FTE
who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and
students, participate on committees and are involved in other areas of
staff development. A full spectrum of library resources, from rare books
and manuscripts to rapidly expanding network of electronic resources,
constitutes one of Yale's distinctive strengths. The Library is engaged
in numerous ambitious projects such as the renovation of the main library
building, the complete retrospective conversion of the Library's catalog,
and various automation projects, which include network access to
scholarly information and preservation imaging. Yale is a member of the
Program for Cooperative Cataloging and contributes to the NACO and BIBCO
Programs. For additional information on the Yale University Library,
please visit the Library's web site at:
http://www.library.yale.edu/

The Preservation Department
Yale University Library's Preservation Department, started in 1971,
is one of the oldest in the country. It has strong administrative support
and has played a major role in the development of the preservation field.
It consists of several programs, including Preservation, Conservation,
and Collections Care, for a total of approximately 24 FTE staff. The
Preservation program is responsible for such areas as binding, brittle
books, reformatting, mass de-acidification, and library-wide staff and
user education, offering consulting to the entire library system. Major
grant projects for preservation microfilming are handled here. The
Conservation program is responsible for the hands-on treatment and care
of the Yale library collections, carrying out both single item
conservation treatments and collection conservation activities.
Collections Care is a comparatively new program, responsible for
treatment of books and other materials that can be relatively quickly
strengthened or repaired in-house. Collections Care also manages the
Sterling Memorial Library book-cleaning project.

Responsibilities
Preservation is increasing in visibility and agenda in the Yale
University Library [YUL]. Under the general guidance of the Associate
University Librarian for Collections Development and Management, the Head
of Preservation and Chief Preservation Officer provides leadership in
preservation for the library system and is responsible for administering
and improving the comprehensive preservation program now in
place.
The Yale Library aims to grow and foster a culture of preservation
throughout the institution, along with a commitment to valuing many
original artifacts under its care. Of particular note is a growing
emphasis on conservation, a key program that needs planning and
significant enhancement.
Key responsibilities include:
* Managing departmental staff and resources. A senior manager in the
library and member of the Library Management Council, this individual has
a broad view of library needs and issues.
* Parts of YUL?s program are currently under review, and the incumbent
will be expected to take a leading role in assessing how to build on
existing strengths while strengthening the program in certain areas.
Facilities review and planning are part of this effort.
* Managing a comprehensive preservation program for general and special
collections in all formats throughout the YUL, with the entire range of
preservation activities, from collections care to conservation; from
inside treatments of numerous sorts to diverse external relationships and
contracts.
* Surveying/assessing and developing short and long-term plans and goals
for preservation of collections of every sort across the entire library
system
* Collaborating on preservation matters with all departments (including
collections, technical services, access services, and exhibitions, etc.)
and libraries.
* Coordinating the development of educational programs in preservation
for staff and users of library resources.
* Taking a lead role in digital conversion and digital preservation;
studies and applying new technologies as part of the panoply of options
available for preservation of traditional library materials.
* Coordinating assessment of environmental conditions throughout the
Library system including all shelving areas. Responsible for monitoring
conditions and establishing standards, especially during construction and
renovation projects.
* Exercising a lead role in planning for emergencies and disasters,
particularly for collections resources.
* Representing the Library in regional, national, and international
preservation arenas.
* As an engaged fund-raiser, writing grant proposals and other reports as
required, publicizing the program and preservation issues through the
media, published articles, workshops, and formal talks.

Qualifications
MLS degree from an ALA-accredited library program, plus strong
preservation experience or equivalent training/experience. Appointment to
rank Librarian III-IV requires demonstrated professional accomplishments,
and a minimum of five, eight or twelve years respectively, of relevant
professional experience. Expert knowledge of conservation and
stabilization treatments for general and special collections and
knowledge of current trends. Demonstrated strong leadership skills.
Strong managerial skills; supervisory abilities. Strong project
management skills. Excellent communications, both written and oral.
Knowledge of new technologies and their possible application to the
preservation arena. Innovative, dynamic, vital individual. Analytical and
problem-solving skills. Proven record in grant writing and
fund-procurement. Ability to work in a complex and changing environment
with diverse staff and users.

Salary and Benefits
Rank and competitive salary will be based upon the successful
candidate's qualifications and experience. Full benefits package
including 22 vacation days; 18 holiday, recess and personal days;
comprehensive health care; TIAA/CREF or Yale retirement plan; and
relocation assistance. Application deadline is January 15, 2002.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Applications
consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names of three references
should be directed to: Diane Y. Turner, Director, Library Human
Resources, Yale University Library; Source code EAYU8685; P.O. Box
208240, New Haven, CT 06520; fax: (203) 432-1806; e-mail:
diane.turner@xxxxxxxx
Yale University is an Equal Opportunity
Employer