[PADG:665] Position available at MIT Libraries

["Jennifer S. Banks" <jsbanks@xxxxxxx>]

Preservation Services Librarian
(Librarian II)
Collection Management Services
MIT LIBRARIES

The MIT Libraries seek an enthusiastic and creative librarian to provide
leadership of its preservation and conservation programs.  This is
an exciting opportunity to manage a robust program for a world-renowned
university and support access for students and faculty to MIT's rich
collections. Preservation Services was renovated in 2002 incorporating
the E. Martin and Ethel Wunsch Conservation Laboratory, which provides
state-of-the-art equipment and well-designed workspace where staff
perform myriad preservation treatments for rare and unique materials. For
more information about Preservation Services and the Wunsch Conservation
Laboratory go to: 
http://libraries.mit.edu/preservation/index.html.

RESPONSIBILITIES:  The Preservation Services Librarian will lead the
preservation program for the general and special collections of the MIT
Libraries. S/he will develop and implement plans for in-house and
outsourced operations, including general and special collections
conservation, commercial binding, shelf preparation, and reformatting.
The incumbent will work collaboratively with the collections staff of
individual libraries and with staff of the Institute Archives and Special
Collections to set priorities and determine appropriate preservation
strategies for the collections. S/he will determine treatments in
response to diverse general collection conservation goals and train and
oversee staff in undertaking these treatments. The incumbent will direct
outreach to both users and staff, coordinate disaster preparedness and
response, and will participate in resource development activities
including donor relations, campus events and grant proposals. S/he will
monitor emerging preservation technologies in analog and digital media,
with possible growth in responsibilities to include digital preservation.
The Preservation Services Librarian will train support staff in unit
operations, manage workflow, and monitor quality assurance and
productivity. S/he will manage budgets, oversee supply and equipment
purchasing and prepare management and statistical reports. S/he will also
participate in system-wide committees and projects as appropriate. The
Preservation Services Librarian will report to the Head of Collection
Management Services. S/he will have full supervisory responsibility for
one professional (the conservator), 3.5 support staff,  student
assistants, and temporary workers.

QUALIFICATIONS:  An MLS/MSLIS from an ALA-accredited library school
with advanced study in the preservation and conservation of library and
archival materials, or with subsequent work in a preservation position or
as a collections conservator. Three to five years direct/related
professional experience.  Substantial knowledge of the theory and
practice of preservation and conservation, including strong bench
skills.  (Candidates who are interviewed will be asked to present a
portfolio of recent conservation treatments.)  Well-developed
interpersonal and communication skills and ability to work effectively in
an environment which focuses on collaboration and service excellence.
Demonstrated organizational and problem solving skills, flexibility and
ability to manage projects and competing priorities. Experience in
supervision and training.  Evidence of initiative, creativity and
potential to succeed in a production oriented, rapidly changing, research
library environment. Candidates are expected to demonstrate a genuine
interest and enthusiasm for the position.

HIRING SALARY:  $47,000 minimum.  Actual salary will depend on
qualifications and experience.

Review of applications will begin November 7, 2005.  Send cover
letter, resume, and names and addresses of three current references
to:

Search Committee for Preservation Services Librarian
The Libraries, Room 14S-324
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
77 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, Massachusetts  02139-4307
 
The MIT Libraries include five major subject libraries (architecture and
planning; engineering; humanities; science; management and social
sciences) and several branch libraries in more specialized subject
areas.  The Libraries hold more than 2.7 million printed volumes,
and extensive collections in other physical formats.  Over 300
digital databases and over 4500 electronic journals are licensed for
access on the Institute's network. The Libraries utilize Ex Libris' Aleph
system as its public Web-based catalog and as the support system for user
service and processing functions.  The Libraries' webpage
(http://libraries.mit.edu/)
presents information about library services, as well as access to
information resources through the staff-designed Vera interface. MIT
Libraries maintain membership in the Association of Research Libraries,
the Boston Library Consortium, and OCLC through NELINET, as well as in
EDUCAUSE, the Coalition of Networked Information, and the Digital Library
Federation. 

MIT offers excellent benefits including a choice of health and retirement
plans, a dental plan, tuition assistance and a relocation
allowance.  The MIT Libraries affords a flexible and collegial
working environment and fosters professional growth of its staff with
management training and travel funding for professional meetings. 
 
MIT is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community
and particularly encourages applications from qualified women and ethnic
minority candidates.