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Conservator for University Library Collections University of Virginia Library Position Number: FP659 The University of Virginia Library seeks a digitally savvy and energetic conservation professional for the position of Conservator for University Library Collections. The successful candidate will actively steward U.Va. Library’s renowned circulating and special collections through conservation treatment and preservation programming. Conservation activities at U.Va. are undergoing an exciting period of growth. With support from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the U.Va. Library will build a conservation lab and program for the treatment of general and special collections. The Conservator for University Library Collections will have the rare opportunity to design, equip, staff, and manage a hybrid conservation lab for a major academic research library system. Preservation Services supports the teaching and research programs of the University of Virginia by facilitating and preserving access to the collections of the University of Virginia Library. Units within Preservation Services include Library Binding and Shelf Preparation, Audio and Moving Image Preservation, and Conservation. Preservation Services is a department in Content Management Services and partners with units throughout the library to advise on preservation issues, to participate in special projects, to educate via preservation programming. Environment: The University of Virginia Library is a leader in innovative customer service, the development of digital library initiatives and infrastructure, and in the strength and variety of its collections. The Library system consists of twelve libraries, with independent libraries for health sciences, law, and business. The libraries support 12,000 undergraduates, 6,000 graduate students and 1,600 teaching faculty. The University and the Library have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. The Library’s homepage is available at http://www.lib.virginia.edu. The Neoclassical buildings of founder Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village still serve as the center of the University's Grounds and as a unique backdrop for teaching, learning, and research. For a virtual tour of the U.Va. Grounds, visit: http://www.virginia.edu/uvatours/slideshow/. Responsibilities: Reporting to the Head of Preservation Services, the Conservator for University Library Collections directs and participates in the conservation treatment program for both general and special collections and serves as the Library’s lead expert on the conservation of library collections. This individual will: consult with collection managers to evaluate conservation treatment needs, to establish priorities, and to provide long-range conservation planning; equip and maintain a state-of-the-art conservation lab; be responsible for the management and efficient utilization of conservation lab staff, including student assistants, volunteers, and interns; establish conservation procedures, manage the process to assign incoming materials to appropriate workflows, and assure the quality and timeliness of all work performed in the conservation lab; request and manage budgets related to conservation lab supply, equipment, and staffing needs; maintain and analyze conservation statistics; coordinate all outsourced conservation treatment services; participate in emergency response planning and recovery; identify potential sources of grant funding for conservation activities; and participate in opportunities to provide outreach, training, and advice to University Library staff, and University departments and community. The Conservator for University Library Collections is further expected to maintain professional affiliations in conservation and preservation organizations and to stay abreast of the latest developments in conservation principles and practices. Qualifications: Required: An ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree in library or information science or related discipline. Candidates must have extensive knowledge of conservation principles and practices and the ability to perform complex conservation treatment on paper-based general and special collections. A working knowledge of current and emerging digital and physical preservation technologies, standards, and practices is required. Preferred: An advanced certificate in conservation of library and archival materials or related discipline is preferred. Candidates should have a minimum of two years experience in the conservation of library collections and a comprehensive knowledge of the organization and administration of conservation programs in an academic library. Candidates should be able to demonstrate evidence of ongoing professional development and contribution. The candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skill with the ability to communicate clearly, knowledgeably, and personably, orally and in writing. Supervisory experience is preferred, with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with a diverse staff at all levels. Salary and Benefits: Competitive depending on qualifications. This position has Administrative and Professional faculty status with excellent benefits, including 22 days of vacation and TIAA/CREF and other retirement plans. Review of applications will begin Wednesday, August 13, 2008 and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants must apply through the University of Virginia online employment website at <https://jobs.virginia.edu/>. Search by position number FP659, complete application, and attach cover letter and resume, with contact information for three current, professional references. For assistance with this process contact Library Human Resources at (434) 924-3081. The University of Virginia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer strongly committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity. The University actively encourages applications and nominations from members of underrepresented groups. --------------------- Holly Robertson Head, Preservation Services University of Virginia Library Alderman Library Preservation - Rm 113 P.O. Box 400150 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4150 office: 434.924.1055 emergency cell: 571-332-8417 AIM: h011y2121 | GoogleTalk: h011yr0b3rts0n www.lib.virginia.edu/preservation |