Assistant Conservator
Preservation Department
Special Libraries
Northwestern University Library

Professional Librarian Vacancy

Reports to: Conservation Librarian

Two-Year Term Position

Northwestern University Library is offering an Assistant Conservator
position for a two year appointment, effective from the date of
hire. The Assistant Conservator position allows a new professional
the opportunity to work with general collections as well as diverse
special collections, applying conservation treatment skills and
developing project management skills at a conservation lab in a
leading academic research library.

Position Description: The Assistant Conservator position provides
practical experience in a busy academic library conservation lab
balancing treatment responsibilities with project management
responsibilities.  The Assistant Conservator will develop an
understanding of the functions and responsibilities of a research
library conservation lab working with special collections and
circulating collections materials.  There will be the opportunity to
develop skills in treatment decision making, and participate in the
management of a complex workflow. In addition, Northwestern's unique
holdings allow the possibility to gain experience in assessing a
variety of library and museum objects including paintings,
ethnographic objects, textiles, and realia.

Duties: Under the general supervision of the Conservation Librarian,
the Assistant Conservator provides support for a broad range of
conservation treatment initiatives for both general and special
collections.  The Assistant Conservator performs complex
conservation treatments and works closely with curators and subject
specialists on matters related to conservation treatment.  The
Assistant Conservator participates in and manages special projects
related to library strategic initiatives, including exhibits and
outreach, providing access to hidden collections, and caring for
Northwestern's most valuable collections of distinction. The
Assistant Conservator also participates in a wide variety of
Preservation Department initiatives aimed at increasing the useful
life of collections, including disaster response and environmental
monitoring.

Conservation Treatment: Under the direction of the Conservation
Librarian, performs conservation treatments on a wide range of
library and archival material, including rare and special library
materials. Performs complex treatment on general collection material
on a regular basis and participates in weekly roundtable discussions
of conservation treatments.  Provides full written and photographic
documentation in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and
Guidelines for Practice. Works with private conservators and
contract staff as needed for special projects.  Performs other
related duties as assigned.

Project Management: Develops and implements workflow for
conservation projects.  Coordinates the work of temporary and/or
full time support staff as needed.  Provides technical advice on the
housing, storage, handling and repair of both general and special
collections.  Advises library staff on conservation principles and
practices.

Departmental Responsibilities: Actively participates in disaster
response planning and recovery initiatives. Participates in
collection surveys and multi-divisional and multi-institutional
grant-funded projects. Assists with preventive programs such as
environmental monitoring and pest management as needed. Participates
in preservation education and outreach initiatives.

Professional Development: Stays current with new developments in the
field of library conservation; attends appropriate regional,
national and/or international meetings of conservation
professionals.

Qualifications

Required:  Master's degree from a recognized conservation training
program or related field.  One year of post-graduate work in a
library or museum conservation department.  Extensive knowledge of
current conservation principles and practices, materials science,
and the history of bookbinding.  Demonstrated ability to perform
high quality conservation treatments on general and special
collections materials, primarily book and paper.  Ability to
communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions.
Demonstrated management and supervisory skills and a strong service
orientation are also required. Applicants invited for an interview
will be asked to submit a portfolio of recent conservation
treatments.

Preferred:  Experience working with photographs and audiovisual
materials. Experience with paintings, objects and textiles
conservation.

Salary:  Annual salary of $45,000. Northwestern University offers a
comprehensive benefits plan, including health care and tuition
benefits.

To Apply: Send letter of application and resume, including names of
three references, to

    Tonia Grafakos
    Conservation Librarian
    Northwestern University Library
    1970 Campus Drive
    Evanston, Illinois 60208-2300
    t-grafakos [at] northwestern__edu

Preference will be given to applications received prior to November
30, 2012

Northwestern University, established in 1851, is one of the leading
private research universities in the United States with an
enrollment of approximately 19,000 students. The University is
located on the shores of Lake Michigan in Evanston and Chicago,
Illinois. Northwestern University's libraries hold over 5 million
volumes. With collections of international standing in Music,
Transportation, and African Studies, Northwestern's libraries are at
the forefront of innovation in library technology and advanced user
services.  One of the top-ranked universities in the country,
Northwestern combines innovative teaching and pioneering research in
a highly collaborative environment that transcends traditional
academic boundaries. Northwestern provides students, faculty and
staff with exceptional opportunities for intellectual, personal, and
professional growth.

Established in 1984, the Preservation Department oversees all
aspects of the care, treatment and reformatting of the collections
on the Evanston and Chicago campuses. The Preservation Department
consists of 16 full-time staff members responsible for a broad range
of preservation activities, including shelf preparation,
vendor-based operations such as binding and mass deacidification,
preventive programs such as pest management and environmental
monitoring, and the conservation treatment of both general and
special collections materials.