[padg] Position at Yale

[Ian Bogus <ian.bogus@xxxxxxxx>]

Yale University Library
Preservation Department
Conservation Assistant III, Collections Care

Grade:  C&T level E
37.5 hours/wk
Work Schedule:  Weekdays 8:30 a.m. 5:00 p.m.

THE UNIVERSITY AND THE LIBRARY
The University Library, which is a highly valued partner in teaching 
and research at the University, has more than 13 million volumes 
housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and 22 school and 
departmental libraries. It employs a dynamic and innovative staff of 
nearly 600 FTE who have the opportunity to work with the highest 
caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees and are 
involved in other areas of staff development. A full spectrum of 
library resources, from rare books and manuscripts to a rapidly 
expanding network of electronic resources, constitutes Yale's 
distinctive strengths. The Library is engaged in numerous ambitious 
projects such as the renovation of the main library building and 
various automation projects that include network access to scholarly 
information and preservation imaging. Yale is a member of the Program 
for Cooperative Cataloging and contributes to the NACO and BIBCO 
Programs. For additional information on the Yale University Library, 
please visit the Library's web site at: www.library.yale.edu/

THE PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT
Yale University Library's Preservation Department, started in 1971, 
is one of the oldest in the country.  It has strong administrative 
support and has played a major role in the development of the 
preservation field.  The department consists of units covering 
special collections conservation, collections care and reformatting 
with system wide responsibilities for the treatment of rare and 
special collections materials and circulating materials, mass 
deacidification, microfilming, preservation photocopying, staff and 
user-education and consultation on wide variety of preservation concerns.

COLLECTIONS CARE
Collections Care is one unit within the Preservation Department and 
is responsible for the care and repair of all circulating collections 
including reference materials. In addition, Collections Care includes 
monograph commercial binding. Collections Care staff consult and 
provide leadership Library-wide on conservation issues such as the 
safe care and handling of circulating collections, emergency response 
and recovery, and provide information to the public on preservation 
practices at Yale University Library. The Collections Care Supervisor 
serves as a member of the Preservation Management Team.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the close supervision of the Head of Collections Care the 
Conservation Assistant III performs a variety of tasks related to the 
repair of books and other library materials from Yale's circulating 
collections.  The Conservation Assistant III is responsible for 
repairing library materials by returning them to a usable condition 
while retaining as much of the original information as possible. S/he 
will disbind, bind and repair bindings; such repairs may include but 
not limited to: rebacks, board reattachment, and a variety of minor 
binding repairs.  Repairs and protects paper by dry cleaning, tissue 
mending, and adhesive removal.  The Conservation Assistant will 
propose appropriate repair methods, based on established repair 
protocols, give time estimates, and document treatments 
performed.  S/he may assist in determining appropriate repairs, and 
carry them out according to specified standards.  The Conservation 
Assistant is expected to track personal work statistics via paper 
sheets and/ or electronic spreadsheets; maintain accurate records of 
object status throughout accession, treatment and return.  The 
assistant will make protective enclosures, including phase boxes and 
clamshell boxes.  S/he will perform book and paper repair with tools 
and equipment appropriate for the task; this includes but is not 
limited to hand tools, book presses, board shears, guillotine, 
ultrasonic welder, and board creaser; and may also perform 
maintenance on this equipment.  The Conservation Assistant may take 
lead responsibilities in some areas of expertise and use a limited 
range of chemicals to perform specific treatments when necessary, 
following appropriate safety measures.  S/he handles highly complex 
conservation tasks that require knowledge and expertise in multiple 
techniques and tools; using skills and abilities to adapt techniques 
and knowledge to solve unique problems.
The Conservation Assistant is expected to maintain awareness of 
current bookbinding and conservation techniques and assist in 
training staff and may take lead responsibilities, including 
overseeing and coordinating projects or work processes.  S/He will 
assist with disaster recovery operation following standard recovery 
procedures.  The Conservation Assistant is expected to follow unit 
and department procedures and policies, and perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor's degree and two years of directly relevant experience or an 
equivalent combination of education and experience.  Demonstrated 
knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques and history of bookbinding, 
paper treatment and conservation.  A portfolio of relevant work is 
required as is excellent manual dexterity; patience with delicate, 
sometimes repetitious tasks.  The position requires effective 
organizational skills and basic computer skills including word 
processing and use of spreadsheets and good communication 
interpersonal skills.  Ability to move pallets of board or other 
oversized supplies using a hand truck; to push a fully loaded book 
truck; and to lift boxes up to 30 lbs and/or sit for long periods of 
time.  References must indicate reliable attendance and punctuality, 
accuracy, attention to detail and diligent performance.  Experience 
in directing the work of others is preferred.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.  To be 
considered, complete Yale's on-line application and provide a cover 
letter and resume including the names of three references at 
http://www.yale.edu/hronline/stars/application/external/index.html. 
If selected, offer is contingent on the results of a background 
check.  Questions regarding application and/or job description may be 
directed via email to hrlinbrary@xxxxxxxx

Yale University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer


Ian Bogus
Head, Collections Care
Preservation Department
Yale University Libraries
130 Wall Street
P.O. Box 208240
New Haven, CT 06520-8240
TEL: (203) 432-1721
FAX: (203) 432-9900
ian.bogus@xxxxxxxx