[padg] vacancy announcement

[Scott Devine <s-devine@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Conservation Librarian
 
Northwestern University Library announces the search for a new
Conservation Librarian.  We are seeking a professionally trained
conservator with exceptional conservation treatment skills and excellent
managerial skills who will assist in developing new initiatives for the
conservation of special collections. 
 
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES
Under the general supervision of the Head of the Preservation
Department, the Conservation Librarian assumes primary responsibility for
administering the Library?s conservation treatment program for general
and special collections materials.  The Conservation Librarian
performs a broad range of conservation treatments, manages the
conservation lab, and serves as the primary Preservation
Department liaison on all matters related to conservation treatment.
Conservation Treatment: Performs conservation treatments on a wide
range of library and archival material, including rare and special
library materials.  Performs circulating collection repairs on a
regular basis in order to actively engage and train conservation lab
staff in general collections repair techniques.  Leads weekly
roundtable discussions of conservation treatments and plans training
sessions for conservation technicians.  Performs a high level of
appropriately documented conservation treatments for special collections,
including rare books, flat paper, and archival materials. 
Identifies and evaluates private conservators for outsourced treatments
as needed.  
Conservation Lab Management: Manages the Library?s conservation
lab; hires, trains, supervises 2.5 full-time conservation technicians as
well as hourly assistants and interns; develops procedures and systems
for evaluation, treatment, and rehousing of collections; establishes
treatment priorities and monitors workflow; prepares written planning
documents and reports. 
Program Management: Develops and implements policies,
standards and procedures for the physical care of Library collections;
provides technical advice on the housing, storage, handling and repair of
both general and special collections; advises special collections staff
on conservation principles and practices; works closely with librarians
and curators of special collections on a wide variety of single-item
conservation treatments; oversees the research, evaluation and selection
of goods and services that impact the longevity and continued
serviceability of all collections; works closely with the Exhibits
Committee in evaluating and preparing items for exhibit or loan; advises
on planning and installation of exhibits throughout the Library. 
Departmental Responsibilities: Assists in managing and developing
the Preservation Department, serving as the Acting Head in the absence of
the Head; actively participates in disaster response planning and
recovery initiatives; consults on technical and service specifications
for commercial binding and mass deacidification; proposes new services,
analyzes resources and implements projects, including collection surveys
and multi-divisional and multi-institutional grant-funded projects. 
Outreach and Training: Designs and presents workshops and
training seminars, offers orientation for new library staff; prepares
flyers, guides and exhibits as needed; presents lectures and tours for
the general public. 
Professional Development: Stays current with new developments in the
field of library conservation; conducts research to further Library and
departmental goals; represents the Library at regional, national and
international meetings of conservation professionals.
 
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:  Master?s degree from a recognized conservation
training program or equivalent combination of education and relevant
experience.  Extensive knowledge of current conservation principles
and practices, materials science, and the history of bookbinding. 
Demonstrated ability to perform high quality conservation treatments on
general and special collections materials, primarily book and paper, and
to communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions. 
Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to submit a portfolio
of recent conservation treatments.  Demonstrated management and
supervisory skills and a strong service orientation are also required.
Preferred:  Five years experience as a conservator in a
recognized research library conservation program, demonstrating
increasing management and supervisory responsibilities. Experience
working with photographs and audiovisual materials.  Experience
managing contract conservation services. 
 
SALARY: Dependent upon qualifications and experience. 
 
TO APPLY: Send a letter of application and resume, including names of
three references to Peter J. Devlin, Personnel Librarian, Northwestern
University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208-2300 or

library-personnel@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx. Review of applications will begin
immediately and continue until position is filled. Northwestern
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Employment eligibility verification required upon hire.

________________________

Scott W. Devine
Head of Preservation
Northwestern University Library
1970 Campus Drive
Evanston, Illinois 60208
tel. 847.491.4672
fax. 847.491.8306