The Abbey Newsletter

Volume 13, Number 7
Nov 1989


Positions Open

DIRECTOR FOR PRESERVATION AND NATIONAL PRESERVATION PROGRAM OFFICER
Library of Congress

Duties: The Director for Preservation and National Preservation Program Officer is responsible for coordinating Library-wide activities relating to preservation, conservation, restoration, protection, and maintenance of the greatest possible range and variety of library materials, reviewing and implementing specialized programs for the protection of the Library's collections, and developing and directing a National preservation Program centered in the Library of Congress. Directs, coordinates, and integrates the diversified operations and activities performed by the staff of the Binding Office, Conservation Office, Preservation Research and Testing Office, and Preservation Microfilming Office. Direct the book deacidification project which is being scaled to deacidify 1.0 million books per year. Assumes responsibility for immediate and long-range planning to establish and maintain research laboratories and preservation programs of the widest range of materials used in libraries and information retrieval, including microfilm, photographs, motion pictures, magnetic tape, adhesives, paper, leather, plastics and many others. Acts as director of a national clearinghouse for reference and information services to other Federal agencies, universities, institutions, and individuals on matters involving preservation, conservation, protection, and physical custody of the broadest range of library materials. Maintains liaison between the Library and other Government agencies and with scientific and professional organizations and individuals both in this country and abroad concerned with preservation of library materials.

Experience: Three years of specialized experience in the field of preservation of library materials. At least one year of this experience must have been at the GS-15 level in the Federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the Federal service. This must demonstrate that the candidate has experience in planning and directing difficult programs of national significance or planning and executing programs which demonstrate possession of outstanding attainments in the field of preservation of library materials or consultation requiring extended training or experience. Although stated as a minimum requirement of one year, experience at the required level of difficulty is characteristically the culmination of a number of years of professional growth and nationally recognized accomplishment in the field. Qualifying experience must demonstrate the full range of supervisory and managerial skills and working knowledge of the operation and activities of large research libraries. Candidates must possess resourcefulness, flexibility, and ability to exercise good judgement when working under pressure, ability to identify and analyze trends and to recommend and implement effective solutions to problems, and ability to recognize priorities and allocate resources to meet service objectives. Candidates must also have demonstrated ability to deal effectively with all levels of management, staff members, Federal agencies, and the general public; and skill in writing and speaking; and ability to appear as an expert witness before committees of Congress on matters related to the Library's preservation program.

Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree in a technical, scientific, or professional field related to the preservation of library materials, or an appropriate substitution as noted below. Applicants should note that the specification of a degree represents a minimum requirement and that the total academic and professional achievement of applicants, including relevant graduate work, will be reviewed carefully throughout the evaluation process.

Quality Ranking Factors: Evidence of Quality Ranking Factors below may be demonstrated by experience, education and training, awards and self-development. To receive credit, such evidence must be documented on the Supplemental Qualifications Statement (Self-Assessment).

  1. Knowledge of library materials preservation, issues and methods, and their applications in a large, complex research institution.
  2. Ability to plan and manage large complex projects and organizations.
  3. Ability to communicate both technical and administrative information effectively in oral and written form.
  4. Ability to manage fiscal and personnel resources, including fund raising activities.

To apply: Submit a Standard Form 171 and Supplemental

Qualifications Statement/Self Assessment to: The Library

of Congress, Recruitment and Placement Office, Dept. E,

101 Independence Ave. ,SE,LM 107, Washington, DC 20540.

202/707-JOBS. Refer to vacancy announcement 90387.

[The announcement makes no specific statement about salary or salary range, but the figure $75,500 appears just under the job title. Original closing date of July 20, 1989, has been extended.]

PRESERVATION INFORMATION LIBRARIAN
National Library of Medicine

The National Library of Medicine seeks qualified applicants for the position of Preservation Information Librarian. The successful candidate will have the primary responsibility for providing preservation reference service, training, and educational materials for staff and users at NLM and other U.S. biomedical libraries, revising and administering the Library's disaster prevention and recovery plan, and developing a program for minor book repair. Additional duties include assisting with management of contracts for microfilming, microfilming inspection, binding preparation and library binding, implementation of the National Preservation Program for the Biomedical Literature, evaluating new technologies, and planning for future preservation activities.

Requirements: Graduate degree in library or information science and formal training or equivalent work experience in the preservation of research library collections. Strong skills in oral and written communication. Familiarity with the full rage of activities included in a comprehensive preservation program desired. Specific knowledge of library binding, book repair, and/or disaster prevention and recovery preferred.

Salary: $24,705 - $35,825 (GS - 9/11/12). Projected appointment date: 1/30/89. For additional information contact: Margaret M. Byrnes, Head, Preservation Section, National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pile, Bethesda, MD 20894. 301/496-8124

PRESERVATION LIBRARIAN
The Newberry Library

The Newberry Library is seeking to fill the post of Preservation Librarian. The post is available immediately and the search will continue until the position is filled.

Duties will be to direct the preservation program for the Newberry Library, implement preservation policies which enunciate standards and procedures for handling, storage, use, exhibition, security and physical treatment of all library materials; serve as institutional advocate for preservation; in collaboration with librarians, curators and bibliographers, identify needs; develop long-range plans to maximize preservation within existing financial constraints; prepare and/or assist in preparing proposals for funds to support preservation projects and activities.

Serve as head of the Conservation Department, with its endowment of $1,450,000 supporting the activities of two sections, Conservation Treatment and Photoduplication, and 8.5 FTE staff. With the section supervisors establish standards, priorities and procedures and prepare an annual operating budget; participate in exhibit program and other Conservation Department activities.

The Conservation Treatment section consists of 2.5 FTE conservators, 2 conservation technicians and a Mellon Institute Intern who performs a full range of conservation treatments and housing; prepare materials for exhibits; monitor environmental conditions; do case binding; and handle contract binding preparations.

The Photoduplication section consists of 2 FTE staff responsible for microfilming and photography.

Qualifications: Experience as a library preservation administrator; MLS from an accredited library school or equivalent experience; understanding of the environmental issues and systems as they affect preservation; familiarity with the conservation treatment of library materials and the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice; excellent written and oral communication skills; good organizational abilities and interpersonal skills.

Salary: $25,000 minimum. Group life, health insurance, 3 weeks vacation in first year (4 weeks thereafter), 2 personal days, 6 paid holidays, TIAA/CREF after 3 years, bookshop discount, book purchase service. Please send letter of application, resume and list of references to Rita Fitzgerald, Personnel Officer, The Newberry Library, 60 West Walton St., Chicago, IL 60610. Equal Opportunity/ Affirmative Action Employer

ADVANCED INTERN: ART ON PAPER OR BOOK CONSERVATION
Northeast Document Conservation Center

The Northeast Document Conservation Center, moving in the spring to a new climate controlled facility in Andover

twice its present size, is again offering an advanced internship in paper or book conservation. The position will be supported by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. To begin in August or September 1990, it will run for two years and will include liberal travel benefits.

Applicants should have completed a graduate conservation program or have equivalent educational and work experience with a specialty in either art on paper or book conservation. Candidates should enjoy working productively on a variety of historic and artistically important materials. Since 1980 NEDCC advanced internships have provided excellent learning opportunities rich in hands-on experience. Following the internship, there is a good chance of a permanent position at NEDCC.

Please send a letter of intent, resume, and three letters of recommendation to Mary Todd Glaser, NEDCC 24 School Street, Andover, Mass 01810. Please state whether your interest is in flat paper or book conservation. Deadline March 1, 1990.

PHASED CONSERVATOR LEVEL 1
Library of Congress

Duties: Working with senior conservator or independently, performs treatment and support tasks such as fabrication of mats, box structures and encapsulation for safe use and storage of library materials; dry cleaning, washing, deacidification, and mending of manuscripts, prints and book leaves; preparation of pastes and deacidification solutions. Works under the direct supervision of the Head of the Phased Conservation Section.

Minimum qualifications: Experience: One year of general experience and six months of specialized experience are required. This specialized experience must have demonstrated knowledge of paper and book structure, ability to successfully accomplish safe handling of fragile materials, and ability in the conservation treatment of library and archive materials. The specialized experience must have been at the GS-4 level in the Federal Service or at comparable level of difficulty outside the Federal Service. Educational Requirement: Bachelor's degree with substantial course work (at least 12 semester or 18 quarter hours) in art history, studio art, or the physical sciences. Substitutions: Graduation from high school and three years of related library or conservation experience may be substituted for the educational requirement. Test Requirement: Applicants will be required to take a certified performance test during the interview to permit objective comparison of bench aptitudes.

Quality Ranking Factors: Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated on the basis of the Quality Ranking Factors. Applicants are encouraged to submit with their SF-171 a supplemental statement addressing each Quality Ranking Factor separately. The supplemental statement should be prepared on plain 8 1/2 x 11 paper and should briefly describe how the applicant's experience, education, training, self-development, outside activities, awards, and commendations relate to each Quality Ranking Factor.

  1. Knowledge of conservation of library materials, art or artifacts. (50%)
  2. Knowledge of materials used in conservation: their working properties, history, associated media and conservation. (50%)

Salary: $15,738 - $20,463. GS-1001-5 (6506). Permanent, non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

To apply, submit a Standard Form 171, Application for Federal Employment (available from Federal Building in most towns) to Library of Congress, Recruitment and Placement Office, Dept E, 101 Independence Ave., LM 107, Washington, D 20540. Refer to Vacancy Announcement 90618.

PAPER CONSERVATOR
Library of Congress

Duties: Executes conservation treatments on a wide variety of paper materials such as prints, drawings, maps, and manuscripts characterized by a great rarity and value and unusually complex problems. By virtue of advanced knowledge of paper chemistry and the technique of analysis, paper history and technology, performs chemical and analytical tests on paper, paper fibers, pigments inks, media and other substances as needed for work in progress. When appropriate, works directly with Research Office staff on collaborative projects to develop and improve conservation methods and materials. Uses specialized photographic equipment to analyze and record condition or treatment of individual artifacts, uses monocular and polarizing microscopes for examination, and uses various mechanical devices such as leafcasters for the treatment of paper artifacts.

Minimum qualifications: Experience: Three years of progressively responsible specialized experience in conservation of paper artifacts, one year of which must have been at the GS-9 level in the Federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the Federal service. Educational Requirements: Bachelor's degree with substantial course-work (at least 12 semester hours or 18 quarter hours, or the equivalent) in art history, studio art, or the physical sciences. Applicants should submit a course list with their applications to insure that full credit is given for relevant course work. Substitutions: A graduate degree in art, library or archival science, or the physical sciences, which includes a graduate program certificate in conservation may be substituted for the maximum of two years of specialized experience. Three years of general experience which demonstrate a knowledge of basic conservation principles and techniques may be substituted for the educational requirement. There is no substitution for the third year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level of difficulty outside the Federal Service.

Quality Ranking Factors: Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be evaluated on the basis of the Quality Ranking Factors. Applicants are encouraged to submit with their SF-171 a supplemental statement addressing each Quality Ranking Factor separately. The supplemental statement should be prepared on plain 8 1/2 x 11 paper and should briefly describe how the applicant's experience, education, training, self-development, outside activities, awards, and commendations relate to each Quality Racking Factor.

  1. Knowledge of and skill in paper and conservation techniques. (50%)
  2. Knowledge of materials and techniques of execution of works of arts on paper and archival documents.
  3. (45%)
  4. Ability in spoken and written communication on technical subjects. (5%)

Salary: $26,381 - $34,292. GS-1001-11 (4900). Permanent, non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Individuals interested in the position should contact Doris A. Hamburg, Head, Paper Conservation Section, LMG-38, Library of Congress, Washington, DC 20540. 202/707-5634

COLLECTIONS CONSERVATOR
Georgetown University Law Center Library

Reporting to the Assistant Director for Technical Services, the Collections Conservator will be responsible for the conservation and preservation of the Library's collections, and will supervise the Library Technician responsible for the Collection Processing Unit. The Collection Processing Unit is comprised of 4 staff members whose work includes bindery preparation, labelling, marking and holdings database maintenance. This is a professional, non-tenure track academic appointment. Fringe benefits include: life, health, dental insurance plans; choice of retirement plans; tuition benefits; and 22 days of annual leave.

Duties: Performs a variety of conservation and repair treatments on library materials; performs repair and refurbishing of textblocks and bindings and basic paper mending; fabricates custom protective enclosures, such as phase boxes, portfolios with wrappers and pamphlet binders; orders and prepares for use materials and supplies used in all treatments; identifies materials in need of treatment; participates in the development of the preservation policies and priorities of the Library; in consultation with others, develops proposals for prospective preservation; trains and supervises one or more student assistants and supervises the Collection Processing Unit; develops the conservation laboratory and book repair program; participates in the development of the disaster awareness and prevention plan.

Required: Bachelor's degree; completion of a recognized conservation training program, apprenticeship, or similar education program; knowledge of conservation practices and techniques employed with library materials; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.

Preferred: Supervisory experience; experience with bindery preparation practices; some knowledge of library systems and ability to work with computers and computer databases; experience with legal materials.

This position will remain open until filled.

Send resume with names of three references to: Robert L. Oakley, Director, Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, Georgetown University Law Center, 111 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20001-1417. Georgetown University Law Center is an

Equal Opportunity Employment/Affirmative Action Employer.

CONSERVATION FELLOWSHIPS
Canadian Conservation Institute

The Canadian Conservation Institute (CCI) is pleased to announce the availability of Conservation Fellowships in Fine Arts, Textiles, Archeology, Furniture, Works of Art on Paper and Conservation Research.

These fellowships are for an initial period of twelve months (April 1, 1990 to March 31, 1991), with the option of renewal for a further year at the discretion of the Institute. They are designed to give further practical experience to the recent graduates of a conservation or conservation research training program with up to three years of experience following graduation. For the fellowship in furniture, consideration will be given to applicants with equivalent qualifications.

Fellowships will encompass work in designated laboratories at the Canadian Conservation Institute, Ottawa, as well as participation in CCI Services to museums, galleries and related institutions and associations throughout Canada. Stipend is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

The deadline for application is December 15, 1989. Interviews will be scheduled in early January for those applicants meeting the basic criteria of education and training. Candidates may be required to travel to Ottawa for this interview.

Application forms, as well as further information and assistance may be obtained by contacting: A. Dorning, Chief, Extension Services, Canadian Conservation Institute, 1030 Innes, Ottawa, Canada, K1A 0C8

SENIOR PAPER CONSERVATORS
Canadian Centre for Architecture

The Canadian Centre for Architecture posted two jobs in the September 1989 IIC-CG Newsletter, one for a Senior Conservator of art on paper and one for the head of the Conservation and Preservation Department. Write: Manager of Human Resources, Canadian Centre for Architecture, 1920 Baile St, Montreal, Quebec, H3H 2S6, Canada.

CONSERVATION SPECIALIST
Ohio University

Responsibilities: Supervises and trains 1.5 FTE and student assistants in applying various conservation repair treatment for both circulating and special collections. Evaluates treatment needs of repair candidates; determines and performs treatment using conservation procedures, materials, and documentation. Inventories and recommends purchase of equipment and supplies. Assists Department Head with environmental and collection condition studies, and disaster response. Reports to the Head, Preservation Department and works closely with other staff throughout the library and University community.

Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. At least two years bench experience or formal training in conservation repair or binding. Knowledge of conservation tools, principles and techniques required. Previous supervisory experience in a production-oriented, academic environment desirable. Ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally.

Salary: From $18,731, depending on qualifications and experience. Position is funded by a three-year grant

from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Send letters of application, current resume, and names, ad-dresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:

Conservation Specialist Search Committee Chair, 510 Alden Library, Ohio University, Athens, OH 45701 by 01/05/90. EEO/AA employer.

HAND BINDER
BookLab, Inc.

BookLab, Inc., a rapidly expanding edition bindery in Austin, Texas, invites the application of an experienced hand binder skilled in limited edition and fine press production work. Health insurance, vacation, paid holidays. Opportunity for company advancement, refinement of technique, and personal recognition. Salary negotiable.

Please send resume or letter of introduction to BookLab, Inc., 8403 Cross Park Drive, Suite 2E, Austin, Texas 78754,

Attn: Craig W. Jensen, President.

ASSISTANT CONSERVATOR, LIBRARY MATERIALS
Brigham Young University

The Harold B. Lee Library has an opening in the Conservation Laboratory for a faculty position at the Assistant Librarian level. Under the direction of the Library Conservator, the department seeks a member for a dynamic professional team to work in a well-appointed conservation facility in the care and conservation of unique book and archival materials from the Special Collections. The duties include conservation treatment operations, conservation liaison work with curators and collections, and department administration functions. As a library faculty member the conservator is expected to be involved in service, citizenship, and professional development activities within the university and the profession as a whole.

Qualifications: Broad knowledge and experience in the practical and theoretical problems of book and paper conservation, demonstrated through any combination of formal and/or informal training experiences, apprenticeships, internships or work experience. Preference will be given to applicants with actual work experience in a library conservation facility.

Salary negotiable depending on qualifications and experience.

Application: Please send resumes and names of three references to Robert Espinosa, 3008 HBLL, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602.

PAPER CONSERVATOR

(The November issue of the AIC Newsletter had a job posting for a paper conservator for the Gene Autry Museum in Los Angeles. The work would involve books and documents. A salary is not specified, but the deadline is not until late December; call Robert F. McGiff in, Chief Conservator, 213/ 677-2000, for details. The posting says, "Computer knowledge and a good sense of humor would be helpful.")

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