[PADG:859] Preservation position available at MIT Libraries

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

Preservation Services Librarian
Collection Management Services
(Librarian I)

 The MIT Libraries seek an enthusiastic and creative librarian to
provide leadership of its preservation and general collections
conservation program.  This is an exciting opportunity to manage a
comprehensive program for a world-renowned university and support access
for students and faculty to MIT's rich collections. Preservation Services
was renovated in 2002, and provides a well-designed and equipped
workspace where staff perform preservation treatments for general
collections.  The adjoining E. Martin and Ethel Wunsch Conservation
Laboratory (for special collections) shares space with Preservation
Services.  For more information about Preservation Services go
to: 
http://libraries.mit.edu/preservation/index.html.

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Preservation Services Librarian will lead the
preservation program for the general collections of the MIT
Libraries.  S/he will coordinate with the special collections
conservator to provide a strong program for all of MIT's collections.
S/he will develop and implement plans for in-house and outsourced
operations, including general 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
2.6 support staff, student assistants, and temporary workers.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Required - 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. 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.
Supervisory experience or demonstrated supervisory potential. 
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. Preferred - pre-professional or professional library
experience; experience in an academic or research library.

HIRING SALARY:  $43,000 minimum.  Actual salary will
depend on qualifications and experience.

Review of applications will begin April 3, 2006.  Send cover letter,
resume, and names and addresses of three current references to
resumes-lib@xxxxxxx or:

Search Committee for Preservation Librarian
MIT Libraries, Room 14S-324
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 2.6 million printed volumes,
and extensive collections of other physical formats. Over 300 digital
databases and over 20,000 electronic journals are licensed for access on
the Institute's network.  The Libraries use 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 and the Coalition of Networked Information.

The Humanities Library supports the teaching and research programs of the
School of Humanities and Social Science. It's 264,700 volume collection
encompasses anthropology and archaeology, education, history, history of
science and technology, linguistics, literature, philosophy, psychology,
theater arts, and women's studies.  The Rosalind Denny Lewis Music
Library, a branch of the Humanities Library, maintains a collection of
books, printed music, recordings, and periodicals.  Together, these
libraries, with a staff of 23 full and part time employees, offer a full
range of services to support the reference, research, and recreational
needs of the MIT community.

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.