[PADG:704] Conservation Librarian /Rare Book and Paper Conservator, Syracuse University Library, Syracuse, NY

[Peter Verheyen <pdverhey@xxxxxxx>]

Syracuse University Library

Special Collections Research Center
Conservation Librarian /Rare Book and Paper Conservator

Summary:
The Special Collections Research Center at Syracuse University Library 
seeks a Rare Book and Paper Conservator to treat the Center?s rare and 
unique materials and manage the daily operations of its Conservation Lab.

Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Center?s Preservation and Digital Access Librarian, the 
Conservator will perform and manage the identification, condition 
assessment, and treatment of rare and unique items from  SCRC?s collections 
in a production environment and in accordance with accepted professional 
standards. Other duties include: planning and organizing unit activities, 
surveying collections, identifying treatment options for materials selected 
for conservation, maintaining tools and equipment, and managing the 
supplies budget. The Conservator will play a leading role in support of the 
Center?s exhibitions program by preparing items, including making mounts, 
other custom supports, and matting. The Conservator will also have 
responsibilities for environmental monitoring and disaster 
response/recovery activities.

The Conservator will be responsible for the day-to-day training and 
supervision of work-study students (approximately 20 hrs/wk), including the 
hiring and evaluation process, determining treatment procedures, 
establishing production goals, assigning work, and ensuring quality 
control. Additional supervisory and training responsibilities will center 
on interns from a variety of Syracuse University programs including Museum 
Studies and the School of Information studies, as well as from other 
institutions.

The Conservator will collaborate with the Digital Access and Preservation 
Librarian and others in developing and presenting preservation education 
workshops for Library staff and regional organizations. The Conservator 
will also be involved in the development of programming sponsored by the 
Brodsky Endowment for the Advancement of Library Conservation. Service on 
Library and University committees will be encouraged as appropriate. More 
information on the Conservation Lab and its activities can be found online 
at the Center?s website <http://scrc.syr.edu>.

Required Qualifications:
MLS with specialization in book and paper conservation, masters degree in 
conservation with specialization in book and paper conservation, or a 
bachelors degree and a comparable equivalent combination of experience 
earned through study at a program such as the North Bennet Street School or 
2-year (minimum) apprenticeship with a qualified conservator.

Demonstrated post-graduate experience working in an academic library 
environment or as a conservator in private practice.

Additional Qualifications:
Special consideration will be given to candidates with the best combination 
of the following:

Demonstrated ability to work independently and to exercise initiative and 
judgment in planning and carrying out conservation functions.

Strong organizational skills to plan, organize and prioritize conservation 
projects.

Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills to work 
effectively with a variety of staff levels.

Applicants selected for campus interview must present a portfolio of 
representative conservation treatments or examples of their own work.

Preferred Qualifications:
Record of attending workshops that impart both theoretical and practical 
knowledge relevant to the position?s responsibilities, and previous 
employment experience as a conservator or conservation assistant, 
preferably in an academic library environment.

Environment:
Founded in 1870, Syracuse University is an independent Research II 
University and a member of the Association of American Universities. Its 
thirteen schools and colleges include a number of nationally ranked 
programs and serve a population of over 11,000 undergraduate and 5,600 
graduate and law students. The Syracuse University Library comprises a 
large central library and 5 branch libraries serving a diverse community 
including 800 faculty and many visiting researchers. The libraries hold 
almost 3,000,000 volumes, with significant special collections, and 
extensive electronic resources. The Library is a member of the Association 
of Research Libraries, OCLC, national and regional consortia. The Library?s 
annual budget is 10.7 million. The Library has a staff of 46 librarians and 
135 support staff.

Syracuse is located in the center of New York State within reach of New 
York City, Boston, Philadelphia and Toronto. Local cultural opportunities 
include a symphony orchestra, jazz festival, chamber music society, 
nationally recognized art museum and an Equity theater, along with 
excellent opportunities for sports and recreation.

Salary and Benefits:
Commensurate with education and experience.  The University?s generous 
benefits package includes an (11% contribution to TIAA/CREF), health and 
dental plans, tuition remission, adoption assistance, insurance, and other 
work/life options and benefits.

Contact:
To complete an online application through the Internet, please go to 
<http://www.sujobopps.com>, click on "search open postitions," and select 
"conservation librarian." Applications must be completed online, and 
applicants should attach both a cover letter and résumé, with the 
application and include the names of three references. Application 
deadline: November 11, 2005.

***************************
Peter D. Verheyen
Special Collections Preservation & Access Librarian / Conservator
Syracuse University Library
Syracuse, NY 13244
(315) 443-9756
<mailto:pdverhey@xxxxxxx>
<http://scrc.syr.edu>