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Applications are now
being accepted for the position of The Lloyd E. Cotsen Chief Preservation Officer Located 12 miles from Los Angeles in San Marino, California,
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is a
collections-based research and educational institution established in 1919 by
Henry E. and Arabella Huntington. The Huntington Library enjoys an
international reputation for its collections of rare books, manuscripts,
photographs, and other primary materials supporting original scholarly research
in Anglo-American history, literature, and art, the history of science and
technology, the history of the book, and the history of exploration and
cartography. The Library building complex shares a campus with extensive
botanical gardens and three art galleries, and includes three dedicated
exhibition halls, two reading rooms, and state-of-the-art conservation and
imaging labs. Over 1400 scholars from around the world use the Library
collections onsite each year, and many more make use of surrogates in all
formats. The Library’s holdings of original research materials,
including about 7,000,000 manuscripts, 1,000,000 printed books, 600,000
historical photographs, and over 500,000 prints and ephemera, comprise one of
the most heavily-used research collections in the country. Since its founding
in 1919, the Huntington has pursued policies which attempt to reconcile
preservation of rare and valuable cultural objects with support for a vigorous
onsite program of research, education, exhibitions, and publication, while
recognizing its obligation to provide wider access to collections via the
creation and dissemination of surrogates. The Lloyd E. Cotsen Chief
Preservation Officer, through various advisory and leadership roles, will play
a key role in finding the appropriate balance among sometimes conflicting
priorities and articulating the role of the Huntington’s conservation and
preservation efforts. The successful candidate will be responsible for bringing
preservation and conservation expertise to library-wide planning and
decision-making. As a department head reporting to the Avery Associate
Director of the Library, the successful candidate will work as a peer with the
heads of Technical Services, Reader Services, and Imaging Services, and in
collaboration with the curatorial staff, to build a comprehensive preservation
program and to plan and implement Library services and operations. RESPONSIBILITIES: Oversees a comprehensive program to ensure
long-term access to all Library collection materials, in both original and
digital form. Supervises operations and staff of Conservation Department,
including conservators, an exhibition preparator, and interns. Prepares budgets
and reports, works with vendors, handles preservation-related contracts,
ensures appropriate documentation, creates and implements policies and
procedures. Responsible for management of preventative preservation,
conservation treatment of materials in all formats, book repair and housing,
commercial library binding, and environmental monitoring. Works closely with
Imaging Department and other Library staff on issues of digital reformatting
and archiving of digital information; works with curators to plan and manage
digital projects. Prepares grant proposals and oversees projects. Responsible
for Library disaster preparedness planning. Manages preservation issues
relating to a large and active exhibition program. Participates in outreach
to Huntington community of readers, staff, volunteers, docents, members, and donors.
Represents Huntington with professional associations and institutions at local
and national level. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Master’s degree in
library science from an ALA-accredited library school or equivalent
professional degree and experience in the conservation and preservation fields.
Awareness of current research and ethical issues in conservation treatment and
preservation administration, and substantial knowledge of current best
practices in the field. Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and
communication skills. Record of participation in relevant professional and
educational activities. Five years’ professional experience in special
collections, research library, or museum setting. At least two years’
experience managing preservation or conservation staff. Interested and qualified
individuals are encouraged to visit our website at www.huntington.org for more information
about the position responsibilities. First consideration will be given to
applications received by February 1, 2009. Please submit a letter of
introduction and résumé to: The Huntington Library Human Resources
Department – Job # 045-09 1151 Oxford Road San Marino, CA
91108 The Huntington is an Equal Opportunity Employer Holly Moore Conservator, Rare Books and Bound Manuscripts Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108 hmoore@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx PH: 626.405.2100 x 2522 FAX: 626.405.3444 |