Volume 10, Number 1
Feb 1986

Positions Open

NOTE: Positions announced previously may still be open, even if the deadlines are past. One such position is that of Conservation Laboratory Assistant at Brigham Young University, announced last November.

CONSERVATOR FOR THE GENERAL LIBRARY'S CIRCULATING COLLECTIONS
University of California, Berkeley

Responsibilities: Management of programs for library binding, in-house repair and rebinding of the circulating collections; supervision of six employees; hiring and training of conservation technicians; planning and implementation of improved techniques and treatments for repair and upkeep of the circulating collections; maintenance of equipment and supplies.

Qualifications: Broad knowledge of library binding techniques and a general knowledge of the history of binding and book production; previous experience in supervision; verbal skills to communicate successfully with a wide range of University personnel; familiarity with a large academic library and knowledge of library conservation theory and practice preferred.

Salary range is $25,900-$31,200 with excellent benefits. To apply, send resume to the University of California, Box # 12-508-55, 2539 Channing Way, Berkeley, CA 94720. The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer.

BOOKBINDING INSTRUCTOR
North Bennet Street School, Boston

North Bennet Street School, one of America's oldest craft schools, is searching for an instructor to teach a two-year program (two 10-month years) leading to a diploma in bookbinding and placement of graduates in both commercial and academic situations. Applicants should have extensive bookbinding experience and the ability to communicate. Teaching experience preferred. Salary $20,000+, plus health and other benefits, including use of studio. Send letter and resume to Walter McDonald, Director of Instruction, 39 North Bennet Street, Boston, MA 02113.

[A 2½-page syllabus covering both years is available from the School.]

SENIOR CONSERVATOR
Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives

[Two positions were available in December, when the SAA Newsletter, from which this was taken, went to press.]

Performs highly skilled professional conservation tasks to preserve and protect historically significant documentary resources; and performs other duties as required. Examples of duties: ... surface cleaning, humidification, flattening, repair with Japanese tissue and heat-set tissue, removal of pressure-sensitive tapes, reduction of stains, solubility testing, media stabilization, washing, deacidification, compensation for losses, encapsulation, fumigation, and limited treatment on nonpaper and/or bound materials. Assists in the development of standards for permanency and durability of paper, inks, and other supplies used in records creation. Conducts training sessions in the proper handling, storage, and use of archival/library material and in the determination of conservation problems for archival and library staffs throughout the state. Trains laboratory personnel and may supervise employees engaged in special projects. Participates in conservation research and development activities and tests and evaluates new conservation products and procedures.

Minimum requirements: Graduate of a college or university with a bachelor's degree supplemented by one year of document conservation experience. Additional document conservation experience will substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis. Specialized training in document conservation will substitute for the required experience on a year-for-year basis.

Starting salary approximately $1,240 per month [$14,880 per year], plus 18.3 per cent in fringe benefits. For further details contact: Mary B. Samples, Supervisor, Document Preservation Laboratory, Public Records Division, Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives, 300 Coffee Tree Rd., P.O. Box 537, Frankfort KY 40602-0537 (502/875-7000, ext. 145).

MANUSCRIPT/ARCHIVES CONSERVATOR
University of Utah

The University of Utah Marriott Library is seeking an experienced paper conservator to join an established conservation laboratory. the Library is expanding the rare book and book repair/phase programs into the areas of manuscript collections and works of art on paper.

Applicants must be able to work independently with a wide variety of paper materials usually found in manuscript collections (manuscripts and documents, scrapbooks and clippings, broadsides, drawings, various printed materials, photographs, etc.) as well as occasional audio/visual materials.

Surveying, evaluating, prescribing and executing treatments, and documentation will be an important part of this work. Experience in pH and solubility testing, dry cleaning, washing, tape and stain removal, deacidification, paper repair and filling losses, encapsulation, matting, and making various protective enclosures is essential.

Graduation from an accredited conservation program or equivalent experience is required. Preference will be given to the person who has working experience with manuscripts and archives. Obtain further information from Paul Foulger, phone 801/581-5147.

Salary: open. Excellent benefits. The University of Utah is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Send resume and names, addresses and telephone numbers of three references to Paul Foulger, Conservator, c/o Patricia Baucum, Personnel Administration, 101 Annex 1917, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112.

PAPER CONSERVATION INTERNS
Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian's Conservation Analytical Laboratory is accepting applications for both one-year and summer intern-ships for 1986. Applicants may, but need not, be graduates or students from a graduate conservation training program; if not, they should have equivalent experience and training. Graduate interns will take part in research and development of conservation technology under Tim Vitale.

Applicants must submit the following material: 1) transcripts or copies of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study; 2) a curriculum vitae, including basic biographical information and current addresses and telephone numbers; 3) offprints of any publications or lectures; and 4) a short statement of the candidate's interests and intent in applying for the internship. Two supporting letters from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate's work should be sent with this material directly to Lambertus van Zelst, Director, Conservation Analytical Laboratory, Museum Support Center, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC 20560.

The stipend for the year-long internship is $15,000, plus a travel and research allowance of $2,000. For more information call Tim Vitale, (202) 287-3725.

VOLUNTEER BINDERS
Metropolitan Museum of Art

Mindell Dubansky writes that she is still looking for experienced volunteers to put in a minimum of one day per week at the bindery of the Watson Library in the MMA, doing binding, preservation enclosures, and pamphlet bindings. Volunteers receive Museum Volunteer Benefits. Contact Ms. Dubansky at (212) 879-5500, ext. 3220.

PAPER CONSERVATOR
Commonwealth Conservation Center, Harrisburg

The Commonwealth Conservation Center, Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, will be entertaining proposals to fill a three-year contract for a Paper Conservator starting approximately March 1, 1986. Responsibilities will include: planning and development of the paper laboratory in our new facility; surveying the collection's conservation and storage needs at 42 State-owned museums and historic sites as well as the State archives; examination, documentation, and treatment of works of art on paper, archival documents, and photographs.

Candidates should have a graduate degree from a recognized conservation program and a minimum of two years' experience in paper conservation, or the equivalent.

Contract proposals will be evaluated on the basis of professional qualifications and competitive salary requirements.

For additional information please contact: John Hartmann, Conservator Chief, Commonwealth Conservation Center, 908 Market St., Harrisburg, PA 17101 (717/787-2292).

Position Sought

Zbigniew Niebieszczanski (pronounced "Nyeh byeh shchan ski"), a 33-year-old professional bookbinder and restorer, was exiled from Poland in 1983 because of his involvement with Solidarity. Together with his wife and three sons (now 11, 4 and 3 years old), he made his way via West Berlin to Houston, and is now looking for work in his specialty. As an immigrant, he has permission to work in this country, and he is willing to relocate. His resume is reproduced below, in part. A full copy of his resume and other papers may be obtained from Mr. Niebieszczanski (10950 Briar Forest Drive, #1403, Houston, TX 77042, 713/266-2894) or from the AN office.

Position Desired

1. Professional Bookbinder
2. Conservator/Restorer of library materials

Education

Technical School of Polygraphic Arts, Rawicz, Poland
Major: Bookbinding
1972-76 (including internship)

Diploma: Professional Bookbinder (Certificate No. 98/78, given by the Board of Education, Leszno, Poland, June 10, 1978)

Skills

Handbinding and commercial binding; saddle stitching, side stitching, plastic comb binding
Machine book sewing
Adhesive binding
Gilding and marbling
Leather and fine cloth binding and rebinding
Rounding and backing, inserting ribbons, lining up
Full restoration of archival materials
Lamination and Mylar encapsulation
Mounting of materials, manufacturing of special slipcases, boxes and cases for musical instruments
Design of unique and prestigious portfolios and other items As a whole, an excellent knowledge of all phases of bookbinding and conservation/restoration processes