Volume 16, Number 4
Aug 1992

Positions Open

Two Apprenticeships in Book Conservation
The University of Iowa Libraries

The Conservation Department of the University of Iowa Libraries, under the direction of University Conservator Pamela Spitzmueller, provides conservation services for the collections of the University Libraries. The Department assists the Book Repair Unit in serving the needs of the circulating collections, under the direction of the Preservation Librarian. Through apprenticeships and workshops, the Department provides educational opportunities in book conservation. The Conservation Department is affiliated with the University of Iowa Center for the Book and the School of Art and Art History.

Description: The Apprenticeship in Book Conservation is designed to offer training and extensive experience to highly motivated individuals in the field of book and library conservation. There are currently two apprentice positions available, one to begin in Fall 1992, one in Spring, 1993. We are seeking candidates who give evidence of problem solving ability, manual dexterity, concern for the preservation of cultural heritage, creativity and curiosity, and a commitment to book conservation as a profession. Over a period of up to four years (depending on existing skills), the program guides apprentices from beginning bookbinding through progressively more difficult binding techniques and conservation practices in a library setting, until they are well versed in a wide range of conservation activities as well as bookbinding skills. The objective is to prepare participants to function as book conservators in libraries, regional centers, archives or private practice.

Appointment Status: Apprentices are appointed as "Book Arts Technical Trainees" (University of Iowa personnel classification category FL 5200). Compensation is a stipend of $16,500.00 per year, usually with annual cost-of-living adjustments. Apprentices are eligible for the University's health and dental insurance programs, and will earn vacation and sick leave.

Program: Apprentices receive practical, bench-oriented training in bookbinding, and book and paper conservation. Instruction in the theory and background of conservation work will be covered through readings, discussions and research assignments. Participants will have a forty-hour per week schedule, and typically work under the Conservator, Preservation Librarian or an advanced apprentice on projects designed to provide varied experience and serve the Libraries' conservation needs. At the same time, the Conservator will direct reading assignments, research projects and design and oversee execution of limited edition bindings for the University of Iowa Center for the Book. Apprentices will enter the program on a six-month probationary status.

Admission and Selection: Applicants are asked to provide a personal statement of approximately 1000 words describing their interests and goals in relation to conservation; a resume of previous experience and education; names, addresses and phone numbers of 3 references- a portfolio containing slides of bindings or creative work, and an example of written research work. A bachelor's degree is strongly advised for entry to the program. A test of manual dexterity may be requested and an interview in Iowa City is required.

Funding for these two apprenticeships is provided by a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. The University of Iowa is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.

Applications and requests for additional information should be sent to Barbara I. Dewey, Director, Administrative and Access Services, University of Iowa Libraries, Iowa City, IA 52242.

Associate Preservation Librarian
University of Michigan

Responsible for the management of the Brittle Book Replacement Unit, which includes the institutionally-funded program and grant-based projects. Responsible for planning and monitoring workflow, hiring and evaluating full-time staff, preparing reports and grant proposals, and assessing budget and staffing needs. Manages materials replacement funds and preservation supplies and equipment budgets. Advises selectors on replacement decisions. Participates in disaster prevention, planning and recovery. Responsible for the Preservation Division's program for staff and user education.

Required Qualifications: M.L.S. Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in a large academic or research library. Successful supervisory experience including training and budget responsibilities; broad knowledge of preservation based on work experience, equivalent coursework, or related training; ability to plan and implement projects and to work independently, strong oral and written communication skills, demonstrated ability to work effectively with staff at all levels, representatives of other institutions, and the public.

Minimum salary of $29,000 dependent on previous relevant experience. Applications received by August 15, 1992, will be given first consideration. Apply to Lucy Cohen, Manager, Library Personnel Office, 404 Hatcher Graduate Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205. A nondiscriminatory, Affirmative Action Employer.

Assistant Conservator (Phased Treatment Collection Maintenance Program)
The New York Public Library

The Research Libraries of the New York Public Library has an exceptional opportunity for an experienced Conservator in our Conservation Lab. Responsibilities will include: treatment activities as part of our phased treatment/collection maintenance program, fabrication of protective enclosures, archival processing &c rehousing, collections storage and handling operations, inspection and coordination of commercial library binding, encapsulation and reformatting, aqueous and non-aqueous treatment and other conservation activities.

To qualify you must have a Master's degree from an accredited graduate conservator training program and professional experience in library and archival conservation treatment activities, or equivalent training and experience. A thorough working knowledge of conservation theory and techniques with completion of academic courses in organic, paper, and conservation chemistry as well as knowledge of diverse preservation problems of a large research library desirable.

This is a temporary position through July 1994 with expectation of renewal. We offer a starting salary of $28,598 plus excellent benefits. For prompt consideration please send resume in confidence to: Human Resources Dept. DC-1, The New York Public Library, 8 West 40^th Street, 2^nd Floor, New York, NY 10018. Candidates selected for consideration will be contacted for an interview. An Equal Opportunity Employer M/F.

Head, Preservation/Conservation Department
Brown University Library

Reports to the Associate University Librarian for Technical Services. Responsible for managing the preservation and storage programs for the six libraries at Brown University, including oversight of the Library's Conservation Laboratory and Bindery; developing short and long range preservation and storage plans and policies; supervising Bindery Manager and Conservator of Library Materials; writing grant proposals for preservation of general collections and other special preservation projects and serving as manager for funded projects; actively participating in state-wide preservation planning; conducting preservation education programs for staff, student assistants and the University community; implementing library storage recommendations; monitoring and revising the Library's disaster plans and emergency control operations.

Requirements: MLS degree from an ALA accredited library school- two to four years' professional experience in an academic library; formal training in preservation administration; knowledge of current preservation and conservation techniques; demonstrated ability to plan projects, write reports and communicate effectively with staff at all levels, as well as with colleagues in the national preservation scene. Supervisory experience is desired.

Salary: $35,200 minimum.

Send letter of application, resume and names of three references to: Marjorie Rubin, Brown University, Human Resources Dept, Box 1879/B00007, Providence, RI 02912. Review of applications will begin on Oct. 15, 1992, and will continue until the position is filled. Brown University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Book Conservator
Cornell University

The Conservation Department of Cornell University Library has an immediate opening for a Book Conservator.

Responsibilities: Conservation treatment of rare and unique bound library materials including paper treatment, document repair, binding restoration and rebinding. Assist in planning, program development, apprentice training and staff education.

Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of book and manuscript conservation techniques: an advanced diploma in conservation; apprenticeship completion certification. A minimum of two years experience. Sound academic background, with good interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to impart knowledge to others.

Salary: $25,000 minimum, depending upon experience and qualifications.

Apply: Send cover letter, resume and a list of three references to: Ann A. Dyckman, Personnel Director, 201 Olin Library, Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y. 14853-5301. Call John F. Dean (607/255-9440) for further information. Applications are accepted until the position is filled. Cornell University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.

Collections Conservation Librarian
University of Texas at Austin

The Collections Conservation Librarian is responsible for the physical care of a wide variety of library materials in the University of Texas at Austin General Libraries (a large research library consisting of a central research collection, an undergraduate library, eleven branch libraries, two storage libraries and three special collections). This position reports to the Preservation Officer.

The Collections Conservation Librarian establishes conservation priorities and treatment strategies for the collections in consultation with the Preservation Officer and bibliographers with primary emphasis on the library's circulating materials. Chief responsibilities include management of the Preservation Department's Book Repair, Pamphlet Binding and Bindery Preparation Units, including supervision of 7.5 (full-time equivalent) classified staff; training branch and special collection staff in minor repair, housing and cleaning techniques; treatment of circulating and special collections materials; and monitoring library storage environments. This position works closely with library departments, units and staff; cooperates with other conservation staff on the UT Austin campus; maintains communications with conservators nationally and with the Graduate School of Library and Information Science Preservation and Conservation Education Programs for Libraries and Archives.

Required Qualifications: MLS from an ALA accredited graduate program; certification in conservation of library and archival materials from an ALA accredited graduate program or equivalent experience- experience in a conservation laboratory dedicated to general collections in a research library preservation or conservation program; demonstrated knowledge of current conservation and library binding techniques; supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications: Two or more years' post graduate experience as a conservator for general collections in a research library preservation or conservation program; good written and verbal communication skills, strong analytical skills- flexibility, ability to work effectively with staff at all levels and with many different backgrounds.

Salary range is $23,000 to $26,000 annually or more, depending on qualifications. No state or local income tax. Competitive benefits package. Retirement plan options. To ensure consideration, applications should be received by September 21, 1992, but will be accepted until the position is filled. Send letter of application and resume, including the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three professional references and a statement of salary requirements to: Peggy Mueller, The University of Texas at Austin, The General Libraries, P.O. Box P, Austin, TX 78713-7330. An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Library Conservation Internship
Winterthur Museum

The Winterthur Museum Conservation Division has a library conservation internship oppty which has been made possible through a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts. The intern will assist the library conservator in collection surveys, exhibit preparation and treatment of books and documents from all areas of the collection. Treatment projects may be tailored to the specific interests and skills of the intern.

This internship has a stipend of $8,000 and a starting date of Jan. 1993 (flexible) w/ a duration of 6 mos (applicants with additional sources of funding may stay longer).

The Winterthur Library collections include approx 80,000 bound volumes, and one million historic archival documents, pertaining to American decorative arts and material culture. A fully equipped conservation lab has recently been completed for the preservation of these collections.

Previous exp in traditional hand bookbinding, and/or previous exp at the conservation technician level working with library materials is required.

To apply, contact Maria Fredericks, Associate Conservator for Library Collections, Winterthur Museum, Winterthur DE 19735 (302/888-4633). Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Sought

Mirah von Wicht, a bookbinder/conservator who is also very interested in book arts, would like to work in London or its surrounding area in 1993. She has had five years of experience in Germany and America. Contact Mirah von Wicht, Intern, The University of Iowa, University Library, Conservation Department, Iowa City, IA 52242.