[PADG:1300] Collections Care Position at The New York Public Library

[hborck@xxxxxxxx]

The New York Public Library invites applications for the position of
Collections Care Conservator. This is a position with both hands-on and
managerial responsibilities, including development and oversight of a
repair program for NYPL Research Libraries materials.

NYPL's Collections Care Unit is responsible for treatment and housing of
general collections materials; automated creation of protective enclosures
for all Research Libraries materials; collection surveys; environmental
monitoring; integrated pest management; and emergency preparedness and
response.


COLLECTIONS CARE CONSERVATOR
The New York Public Library
Technical Services/Barbara Goldsmith Preservation Division/Collections Care
Unit

Description
Under  the  direction of the Head of Collections Care, manages conservation
treatment,  repair,  and housing programs within the Collections Care Unit.
Works  with curatorial staff in the four NYPL Research Centers to establish
priorities   for   treatment.   Plans  and  manages  workflow  through  the
Collections  Care  lab.  Determines appropriate treatments for items routed
for  repair,  boxing  or  rehousing,  and  assigns work to staff. Maintains
quality  control  over  programs managed by the lab. Trains, supervises and
evaluates  lab  staff.  Evaluates  work  done  by the lab, and ensures that
treatment  standards  and  protocols  are  met.  Administers the health and
safety  program  for  the  lab.  Performs  a  broad  range  of conservation
treatments  on  various  types  of  materials  in  the general collections,
including  mold  removal.  Participates  in managing conservation projects.
Works  with the Head of Collections Care and the Field Service Librarian to
develop  treatment  strategies based on collection assessments and surveys.
Contributes  to  the  development  of preservation policies and guidelines.
Provides   technical  advice  and  training  regarding  handling,  storage,
selection for treatment, and treatment of library materials. Leads hands-on
training  programs  in  collections care treatment techniques. Develops and
tests  new  treatment  procedures.  Evaluates  and makes recommendations on
supplies  and  equipment  used  in  collections  care programs. Selects and
monitors  supplies,  tools,  and  equipment; maintains equipment in working
order.   Tracks  materials,  maintains  statistics  and  prepares  reports.
Maintains  treatment  records/systems. Assists in disaster preparedness and
recovery   efforts.  Maintains  Professional  Associate  Level  (or  above)
membership in AIC. Position involves some lifting, operating machinery, and
exposure  to  dust.  May  manage  grant  projects. Performs other duties as
required.

Requirements
Master’s   degree   from   an   accredited  graduate  training  program  in
conservation  or a related field. ALA-accredited Master’s degree in library
and  information  studies  or  substantial  work  experience  in  a library
environment  preferred. Successfully demonstrated knowledge of conservation
theory  and  practice,  with satisfactory completion of courses in organic,
paper,   and   conservation   chemistry.  Professional  experience  in  the
conservation  of  paper-based  materials,  as  demonstrated by a portfolio.
Successfully  demonstrated  experience  in  a  wide  range  of conservation
treatment   procedures.   Successfully   demonstrated  supervisory  skills,
including  the  ability  to train, supervise, and assess work. Successfully
demonstrated  organizational  skills,  including  experience organizing and
managing  projects  and/or  workflow,  preferably  in a production setting.
Ability   to   work  collegially  across  a  large,  complex,  and  dynamic
organizational  setting.  Successfully  demonstrated  computer skills. Good
interpersonal  and  oral  and  written  communication  skills. Successfully
demonstrated  knowledge  of  the  history of books and papermaking, and the
problems  and  causes  of  book  and  paper deterioration. Knowledge of the
diverse  preservation  problems  of a large research library or other major
cultural  institution.  Knowledge of preservation issues and current trends
at the national and international level.


To  apply,  please  email  cover  letter  and resume to lsresumes@xxxxxxxxx
Refer   to   job  code:  LL-CCC.   Only  candidates  selected  for  further
consideration will be contacted.  E/O/E.

 For additional information contact:

Helga Borck
Head, Collections Care
Barbara Goldsmith Preservation Division
The New York Public Library
Fifth Avenue & 42nd St.
New York, NY 10018
Phone: (212) 930-0854
Fax: (212) 302-5328
Email: hborck@xxxxxxxx