Head
of Binding & Shelf Preparation
Preservation
Department
The The The
Preservation Department
The Preservation Department, which is part of the Special Collections
and Preservation Division, was established in 1985. It manages a Library-wide
preservation program that includes conservation of the library’s book and
paper-based collections, digital reformatting of materials in all formats for
preservation, commercial binding and shelf preparation activities, staff and
user education, and consultation on a wide range of preservation concerns.
Preservation Department staff members participate in regional groups and
contribute to national initiatives in the field. Position Description We currently seek applicants for the Head of Binding & Shelf
Preparation, one of the three units within the Preservation Department.
Binding and Shelf Preparation have been recently brought together to form a new
unit. The Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation will manage the Unit and
engage in analysis and planning to effectively integrate and maximize the
benefits of these combined operations. This position offers an exciting
opportunity to contribute to an important expansion phase of the
Library’s preservation and conservation programs and to play a role in
the planning and implementation of preservation measures for materials that
will be shelved in the Library’s future on-site shelving addition. The
successful candidate must be flexible, have strong supervisory and management
skills, and be able to work in a dynamic and changing environment. Under the direction of the Preservation Librarian, the Head of Binding
& Shelf Preparation is responsible for managing the Library’s
commercial library binding program and shelf preparation activities. This
includes training and overseeing one clerical supervisor (who supervises the
work of three clerical Shelf Preparation Assistants), one Binding Assistant,
and student staff in binding and end-processing activities. The Head of
Binding & Shelf Preparation reviews current practices with the intention of
implementing change, formalizes guidelines and policies to provide written
documentation of unit procedures; ensures the quality and accuracy of work; and
manages production workflows to accomplish unit goals and objectives. The Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation oversees the binding
budget, serves as the primary contact with the commercial binder, and monitors their
services and agreements. The Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation serves as
liaison to the binding preparation units in three other library locations and
provides guidance and training to staff engaged in binding-related activities.
The Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation works closely with the Head of
Bookstacks, coordinates workflows between Library units, and provides
information to general Library staff about binding and end-processing
activities. The Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation will work closely with the
Preservation Librarian on planning and lead change for the unit. He/she works
closely with the Head of Conservation to apply physical care and treatment
guidelines and provide related outreach to Library staff. With growing programs
in Conservation and Preservation Reformatting and a planned library addition,
the Head of Binding & Shelf Preparation will also participate in Department-wide
planning, and will work as a team member with Preservation managers to
accomplish Library-wide preservation goals. Qualifications and Experience:
Bachelor’s degree required. Strong supervisory and management skills
with a minimum of four years experience supervising staff. Demonstrated
ability to lead significant and successful change. Experience managing detail
and a production workflow, preferably in an academic library setting and
experience with library processes required. Excellent analytic skills, creative
problem solving, flexibility and adaptability, strong computer skills including
knowledge of office software applications, and strong oral and written communication
skills required. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively. Knowledge of
book structures and preservation issues, and preservation experience including
commercial binding and/or shelf preparation activities in a library setting
strongly preferred. Salary and Benefits: Salary
based on qualifications and experience. Full range of benefits included
in total compensation package. Application: For a
complete position description and application process, please visit http://hr.uchicago.edu/employment/ Applicants must apply on-line for consideration. AA/EOE. Preservation Librarian (773) 702-9313 voice (773) 702-6623 fax |