[PADG:1197] Job Listing: Conservator in the Harvard University Library

[HULHR <hulhr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Conservator in the Harvard University Library
Weissman Preservation Center

Duties and Responsibilities
Contributing to a five year project, the Conservator is responsible for the 
care and treatment of rare and unique library materials held in the Harvard 
University Library, both bound and unbound, ranging from volumes in 
historic bindings to art on paper. S/he is expected to meet production 
schedules while balancing quality and production deadlines. 50% or more of 
the Conservator's time will be dedicated to the treatment of special 
collections from Baker Library, Harvard Business School; will also treat 
special collections from the Harvard College Library and other Harvard 
libraries. In consultation with conservators, librarians, curators, and 
archivists, HUL Conservator will examine and develop conservation treatment 
specifications for, and treat historic bindings, rare books, bound and 
unbound manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, ephemera, and other archival 
and special collections materials on paper/vellum. Advises librarians and 
curators on preservation issues and specifies housing options for library 
and archives holdings. Prepares condition reports, treatment proposals, and 
treatment reports including photo documentation. Conducts condition 
surveys, analyzes results, assists in development of efficient and cost 
effective action plans. NOTE: This is a term appointment with renewal 
subject to an annual review. Serves on Library Collections Emergency Team. 
Provides supervision and coordinates the work of in-house and contract 
conservator staff as needed. Contributes to maintenance of departmental 
supply files and WPC library. Carries out materials identification and 
research as needed.

Required Education, Experience and Skills
Graduate degree in conservation with min. 3 yrs' professional conservation 
experience working under the direction of a senior conservator in a 
recognized treatment facility required. Demonstrated excellence performing 
complex treatments on both bound and unbound materials. Experience 
conducting condition surveys and preparing plans based on findings. 
In-depth knowledge of the history of bookbinding and papermaking; printing 
and printmaking processes and media; codicology, and descriptive 
bibliography. Strong organizational skills, including the ability to 
establish priorities, achieve goals, and meet scheduling deadlines. Key 
qualifications also include: Working knowledge of chemistry and materials 
science. Excellent oral and written communication skills, including 
demonstrated ability to document treatments, write specifications, and 
prepare reports. Master's degree in library science preferred. Excellent 
teaching/training skills and oral/written communication skills.

To learn more, visit: 
http://preserve.harvard.edu/photographs/directory.html Candidates 
interviewed will be asked to submit a portfolio representative of recent 
conservation treatments. Please do not send materials unless requested. The 
conservation laboratory, located within the Harvard University Library's 
Weissman Preservation Center, is an active facility where treatment of 
diverse rare book, paper, and photograph collections from throughout 
Harvard's approximately 90 libraries is carried out.

To read description and apply online, visit 
http://www.employment.harvard.edu/, requisition number 27487.  Do not send 
application to this e-mail address.

Harvard University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.