ICPAL - Istituto centrale per il restauro e la conservazione del patrimonio archivistico e librario

ICPAL - Istituto centrale per il restauro e la conservazione del patrimonio archivistico e librario: "Lectio magistralis di ABIGAIL B. QUANDT
Martedì 23 Aprile 2013 - Ore 10.30"

Conferenza “The Archimedes Palimpsest project: conservation, imaging, and transcription of an unusual manuscript”

Salone delle Conferenze ICRCPAL

ABIGAIL B. QUANDT

Head of Book and Paper Conservation

The Walters Art Museum

Baltimore - U.S.A.

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C.T.S. Srl

 La pelle non passa mai di moda

Più che di un nuovo prodotto, questo articolo del Bollettino CTS presenta un antico prodotto, ma di difficile reperibilità, tanto che il suo ritorno sul mercato rappresenta una vera e propria novità. Parliamo della pelle di alta qualità per la legatoria ed il restauro."
clicca qui per leggere oltre C.T.S. Srl
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Employment and Internships-Folger Shakespeare Library

Employment and Internships-Folger Shakespeare Library:
Book Conservator

Posting Date: 4/8/2013

Closing Date: 5/30/2013


The Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington, D.C., is seeking qualified candidates for the permanent, fulltime, exempt position as a Book Conservator to work in the Werner Gundersheimer Conservation Laboratory. The Book Conservator works under the direction of the Eric Weinmann Head of Conservation and with a small team of conservators. The Book Conservator will have primary responsibility for complex treatments of rare bound material items from the Folger’s printed book and manuscript collection and participates in all activities carried out by the conservation lab including exhibition and loan preparation and installation.


Qualifications
• B.A. or equivalent experience required and at least six additional years of hands-on, specialized book and paper conservation experience.
• Excellent handskills related to conservation treatments.
• Sound knowledge of organic and physical chemistry as applied to conservation and preservation treatments required.
• Thorough understanding of the history of the book, the chemistry of materials and the ability to recognize and analyze damages to rare materials and select and perform appropriate treatments.
• Competency using advanced technical equipment related to conservation practice including photography equipment.
• Experience in exhibition preparation and installation as well as designing and creating bookmounts preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills necessary.
• Ability to solve problems, organize time, set priorities and work independently.
• Proficiency with computer programs like Word, Excel, Power Point and Photo Shop. Experience with FilemakerPro would be advantageous.


Normal working hours Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with flexibility required for special conservation projects.


Please submit cover letter describing interest and experience along with a resume by May 30, 2013 to Folger Shakespeare Library, Attn: HR/Book Conservator, at <jobs@folger.edu> or by mail at 201 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003-1004. EOE.
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reportage sugli allievi e sugli esami finali della Scuola per la conservazione e il restauro dei beni culturali di Villa Manin di Passariano

TGR - Home Page:

Si informa che RAI3 - Friuli Venezia Giulia ha realizzato un ampio reportage sugli allievi e sugli esami finali della Scuola per la conservazione e il restauro dei beni culturali di Villa Manin di Passariano. Il servizio andrà in onda sabato 13 aprile 2013, alle ore 12.25, nell’ambito della rubrica “Il Settimanale” e sarà disponibile in podcast su www.tgr.rai.it.

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Position at Smithsonian Institution Libraries

USAJOBS - The Federal Government’s Official Jobs Site:
Position at Smithsonian Institution Libraries

Library Technician
Smithsonian Libraries (SIL)

Job Announcement number: 13R-BG-298508-DEU-SIL

$42,209.00 to $60,765.00 / Per Year
GS-1411-07-08

This position is located in the Preservation Services Department,
Smithsonian Institution Libraries.  The employee provides a wide
variety of conservation treatments on circulating, non-rare
materials in the libraries collections, including serials,
monographs, maps and other flat paper items.

If interested in this position, please apply to:

    https://www.usajobs.gov>

Vanessa Haight Smith
Book Conservator
Head, Preservation Services Dept
Smithsonian Institution Libraries
301-238-2089
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Orientamenti metodologici di conservazione e restauro dei sigilli, di cera, ceralacca, piombo e carta - Istituto Europeo del Restauro Ischia Restauro e Conservazione dei Beni Culturali Formazione ricerca e specializzazione professionale | Istituto Europeo del Restauro

Orientamenti metodologici di conservazione e restauro dei sigilli, di cera, ceralacca, piombo e carta - Istituto Europeo del Restauro Ischia Restauro e Conservazione dei Beni Culturali Formazione ricerca e specializzazione professionale | Istituto Europeo del Restauro:

Orientamenti metodologici di conservazione e restauro dei sigilli, di cera, ceralacca, piombo e carta

Il corso illustra il sigillo nella sua poliformità tecnologico-strutturale: significati storici, composizione dei materiali, sistemi di costruzione, modalità di appensione ai documenti e molto altro. Tali nozioni sono destinate a comprendere meglio la natura dell’oggetto nella duplice accezione di matrice e impronta e forniscono le basi per orientare e gestire la politica della sua tutela e approccio al restauro, parte integrante delle lezioni. La conservazione dei sigilli, patrimonio di straordinaria importanza nell’ambito archivistico, bibliotecario e museale richiede competenze mirate e formazione professionale altamente qualificata, obiettivi che il corso propone agli allievi.

Insegnamento: Teorico – Pratico

Durata: 3 giorni (16 ore)

Dal 30/05/2013 al 01/06/2013

Costo €400,00

Docente: Prof. Luca Becchetti Conservatore dei Sigilli dell’Archivio Segreto Vaticano e il Responsabile del Laboratorio di Restauro, Riproduzione e Conservazione dei Sigilli, nonché docente di Sigillografia alla Scuola di Paleografia, Diplomatica e Archivistica, annessi allo stesso istituto. Svolge attività di ricerca storico-tecnologica sui sigilli e funzioni formative e di restauro sulle problematiche del degrado e della conservazione del patrimonio sfragistico di archivi, musei e biblioteche.

Prof. Luca Becchetti

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Available Positions at The Huntington Library

Available Positions:
Position: Book and Paper Conservation Technician
Job Number: 072-13 
Department: Preservation
Classification: Regular, Full-Time, Hourly, 37.5 hours per week

Working under general supervision, performs basic repairs, housing, and other duties supporting the work of the conservation laboratory. Works closely with conservation and library staffs. Reports to the Head of Conservation.

Essential Functions: Performs basic repairs and other conservation treatments determined appropriate by staff conservators on paper based library and archival materials. Documents work and keeps statistics. Constructs protective housings such as corrugated boxes, drop-spine boxes, 4-flaps, folders and encapsulations. May participate in environmental monitoring and disaster preparedness. May assist with housekeeping, surveys, interns and volunteers. Assists with laboratory maintenance and ordering supplies and equipment. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: Excellent eye-hand coordination. Excellent interpersonal skills and willingness to work in a team-oriented environment. Good verbal and written communication skills. Must be in good physical condition in order to stoop, bend, and lift and carry moderate (up to 20 lbs) and occasionally heavy (up to 40 lbs) loads. Preferred: Bachelor’s degree with background in related field such as art, art history, or architecture. 1 year experience working with the conservation of library and/or museum materials.

*Please submit cover letter, application, resume, and three references.
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Leyla's Professional Website

Leyla's Professional Website: Leyla's Powerpoint Presentations

Alcuni Power point on line, principalmente sul restauro dei papiri...

Laura, bibliotecaria aretina: “Cari amministratori, ecco la Biblioteca che vorrei”

Laura, bibliotecaria aretina: “Cari amministratori, ecco la Biblioteca che vorrei”

BBC News - Southwark museum and library blaze tackled by fire crews

BBC News - Southwark museum and library blaze tackled by fire crews:

Southwark museum and library blaze tackled by fire crews

Firefighters battling the blaze

A fire has broken out in a building in Southwark which houses a library, a museum and the council "one stop shop".

Almost 120 firefighters and 20 fire engines tackled the blaze in the four-storey building in Wansey Street, Walworth, London Fire Brigade (LFB) said.

The fire was brought under control by 17:45 GMT, it said.

The roof of the library and museum was on fire and crews will remain throughout the night.

'Thick grey smoke'

No injuries have been reported and Southwark Council said it was too early to say what had been damaged.

The fire started a few minutes before 12:30 GMT and 30 people were evacuated from inside the building, which houses Newington Library.

Continue reading the main story

“Start Quote

The fire started in a very small area of the roof and within minutes I could see that it was spreading quickly to the rest of the roof”

Abhishek AgarwalResident

LFB station manager Peter Critchell said flames were coming through the roof and there was thick grey smoke billowing up.

Mr Critchell said water jets were used at the four corners of the building and firefighters had made an effort to salvage as many of the artefacts as possible.

The Wansey Street building was previously the Old Walworth Town Hall.

Cuming Museum, which was founded in 1906 with the Cuming family's private collection, has artefacts from all over the world, including objects from Roman London, Chinese ornaments and African tribal costumes.

It also houses a permanent exhibition on the history of Southwark.

'Car alarms'

Councillor Peter John, leader of the council, said: "A fire has broken out in one of our buildings on the Walworth Road which houses the Cuming Museum, the home of the worldwide collection of the Cuming Family and the museum of Southwark's history.

"It is too early to say what the cause of the fire is and how long services from that building will be suspended for.

Cuming Museum houses artefacts from Roman London and China

"Whilst our first concern is for the safety of residents and our staff, we are also worried about possible damage to the museum's collection."

It is not known how the blaze started, the fire brigade said.

Abhishek Agarwal, 30, a dentist, lives in a tower block near the Elephant and Castle roundabout, about 100m north-west of the fire.

He said: "There were a lot of car alarms going off and sirens, which made me look out of the window.

"There was a lot of smoke. The fire started in a very small area of the roof and within minutes I could see that it was spreading quickly to the rest of the roof.

"It is one of the oldest buildings in the area. It's a real shame as I think it will be very badly damaged.

"I can see flames on some of the other floors too now so I think it is spreading."

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Position at NEDCC Paper Conservator

: Position at NEDCC

Paper Conservator
Northeast Document Conservation Center

The Northeast Document Conservation Center invites applicants for
the position of Assistant or Associate Paper Conservator.  The
individual will join the seven-member staff of the Paper and
Photograph Conservation Department. The opening is a full-time
position in our conservation facility in Andover, Massachusetts just
north of Boston.

The Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) is one of the
oldest conservation centers in the USA established in 1973 and we
will soon be celebrating 40 years of reliable service.

NEDCC has a full combined staff of 37 colleagues working together to
provide a superior client experience. NEDCC consists of four major
departments which include book conservation, paper and photograph
conservation, digital imaging and a preservation services.

Responsibilities: The Assistant/Associate Paper Conservator will be
responsible for the treatment of a wide variety of artifacts: art on
paper, archival documents, and oversize materials. The candidate
must have excellent manual skills and a good knowledge of
conservation theory and standards of practice.  The Associate level
candidate will be asked to mentor developing conservation
technicians and recent conservation graduates.

Qualifications: Master's degree from a recognized conservation
training program or equivalent professional training and experience
treating works on paper is required.  The Associate level candidate
must have at a minimum an additional 5 years of post-graduate
experience. Good organizational and verbal skills and an ability to
work in a group environment are necessary.

Skills should include:

    Precision hand-skills

    Excellent communication skills

    Ability to treat fragile, oversized, and historically valuable
    objects

    Ability to work efficiently while maintaining conservation
    standards

    Ability to work in a group environment

    Ability to meet deadlines and assist in coordinating projects

Salary is commensurate with experience.

A comprehensive benefits package is included.

If selected for an interview, the applicant is expected to present a
portfolio of completed projects during the interview process. A
presentation before the senior conservation staff may be required.

Please send resume and three references to:

    Michael K. Lee
    Director of Paper Conservation
    Northeast Document Conservation Center
    100 Brickstone Square
    Andover, MA 01810-1494
    USA
    978-470-1010
    Fax: 978-475-6021
    mlee [at] nedcc__org

The Northeast Document Conservation Center is an Equal Opportunity
Employer
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AIB-WEB La legatura del libro antico come strumento di conoscenza - AIB-WEB (Associazione Italiana Biblioteche)

AIB-WEB La legatura del libro antico come strumento di conoscenza - AIB-WEB (Associazione Italiana Biblioteche):

La legatura del libro antico come strumento di conoscenza

Corso avanzato di aggiornamento professionale (“Bibliomaster“)

Data: Lunedì 8 aprile 2013
Docenti:
Franco Caroselli (Liceo Artistico Statale “G. Chierici” di Reggio Emilia);
Emanuela Ferro (Biblioteca Civica Berio Genova);
Francesca Nepori (Biblioteca Provinciale dei Cappuccini di Genova).
Luogo: Genova, Biblioteca civica Berio, via del Seminario 16, Sala Lignea “Franchini”
Orario: 9.00-13.00/14.00-16.30
OBIETTIVI
1. Conoscenza di base della problematica inerente la descrizione della legatura del libro antico
2. Acquisizione strumenti conoscitivi e di osservazione della legatura.
3. Acquisizione di una tecnica di base per la descrizione delle legature
PROGRAMMA
9:00-9:30 Iscrizione
9.30-10.30: La legatura come attestazione di provenienza. Una questione di metodo catalografico per il riordino dei fondi librari. (Francesca Nepori)
10.30-11.45: La legatura del libro antico tra gusto antiquario e scienze bibliologiche. Legature “di pregio” e legature “povere”. (Franco Caroselli)
11.45-13.00: La legatura del libro antico: la terminologia, un problema aperto. Tecniche e materiali delle legature antiche. Bibliografia di riferimento, repertori, banche dati on-line. (Franco Caroselli)
13.00-14.00: pausa pranzo
14.00-15.00: Descrivere le legature: dal rilevamento dei dati alla stesura della scheda. Proposta di un modello. (Franco Caroselli)
15.00-15.30: Presentazione di alcuni esemplari di legature della Biblioteca Berio: fondi di provenienza, acquisizione. (Emanuela Ferro)
15.30-16.30: Esercitazione pratica di stesura di una scheda descrittiva.
Partecipanti e costi:
Numero massimo partecipanti: 40
Soci: 35 euro ;
Soci studenti e precari 20 euro ;
Non soci: 90 euro
Al termine verrà rilasciato attestato di partecipazione.
Ricordiamo che in occasione dell’incontro sarà possibile provvedere all’iscrizione all’Associazione Italiana Biblioteche o al rinnovo dell’adesione per l’anno 2013.
Referenti per le iscrizioni e le informazioni:
Danilo Bonanno (Tutor del corso) lig-corsi@lig.aib.it
Per iscriversi è necessario:
1) accedere al modulo di iscrizione
2) inviarlo come allegato di un email a lig-corsi@lig.aib.it
Le iscrizioni chiudono il 5 aprile 2012

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Petition Greek Conservation Department at stake

Petition Greek Conservation Department at stake: "Greek Conservation Department at stake"

Please sign the petition below.

THE PETITION

Greek Conservation Department at stake.

For Greek please scroll down – Για Eλληνικά παρακαλώ διαβάστε παρακάτω.

The future of the Department for the Protection and Conservation of Cultural Heritage of the Technological Educational Institute of the Ionian Islands is currently at stake. The department, located on the island of Zakynthos (Zante) was founded in 2008 as the second only tertiary educational institute in Greece offering an undergraduate conservation course for the much needed attention of our rich cultural heritage.
The department in its short history has managed to establish a superbly equipped conservation unit in state-of-the-art facilities, able to support the training of students in six purpose-built labs in a recently inaugurated building. The four year program offers training on the conservation of organic, inorganic and modern materials. 
Our analytical laboratories are better equipped than most conservation facilities in the country and include XRF, XRD, Raman Spectroscopy, GC-MS Chromatography, FTIR, Laser Cleaner, etc, able to conduct high standard conservation research, promoting the science and conservation of artifacts internationally.
However, the Greek Ministry of Education, has struck our department unjustly and without reasoning and by the end of the academic year it will be shut down, leading our staff to immediate unemployment and hundreds of students without a future to their studies. 
The closure of our department is yet another strike towards the conservation profession. In the last years, courses throughout Europe are being shut, the level of training is compromised and jobs in museums, libraries and institutions are being cut down fiercely, jeopardizing the future of our cultural heritage.
We need your help and hopefully through this petition to prevent the closure of this important academic institution and to help the future of conservation training in Greece.

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Dagli Usa per restauro manoscritto - Piemonte - ANSA.it

Dagli Usa per restauro manoscritto - Piemonte - ANSA.it: "Dagli Usa per restauro manoscritto
E' il Vercelli Book, testo raro in inglese antico"

Guarda la foto1 di 1

(ANSA) - VERCELLI, 7 MAR - E' datato X secolo ed e' uno dei pochi libri in inglese antico esistente al mondo: e' il Vercelli Book, un codice raro di manoscritti a carattere religioso. Un team di quattro studiosi arrivati dal Mississippi ricostruiranno su computer le parti mancanti o sbiadite. Sono gli esperti del Lazarus Project, programma di restauro virtuale portato per la prima volta in Italia. Nei giorni scorsi si sono gia' messi al lavoro nella Biblioteca capitolare di Vercelli che conserva il codice medievale.

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Book and Paper Conservation-Restoration: European Research Centre

Book and Paper Conservation-Restoration: European Research Centre



CALL FOR PAPERS
Horn II conference -From Microorganisms to Mega-organisms
Date 23rd -25th April 2014
Place Horn, Austria
Organizer: European Research Centre for Book and Paper Conservation-Restoration
The program committee welcomes original contributions on the following example topics:
MICROORGANISMS
 of the use of biocides & disinfection,
 the use of biocides and the monitoring of the effects on materials (The topics can also include the
possibility of launching a sort of web archive of data on treated collections and objects and on the best
methods that can be used in monitoring (i.e. colour coordinates, pH, etc.).
BOOKBINDING
 safe keeping assessment and database description of old manuscripts and their bookbindings. Topics may
also include how our knowledge of the bookbinding structures and our appreciation of their historic (but
also artistic) values conditions and guides our approach to their conservation and at the same time how
the conservation of bookbindings actually enhances and improves our understanding of historic
bookbinding structures. Through conservation a very privileged insight can be gained into the structures
and techniques that would otherwise remain unnoticed.
 document safe keeping assessment and database description of old manuscripts and their bookbindings
 methods of investigations and related to them, practical issues of assessing the real physical state of
manuscript and archive collections.
DIGITISATION
 safeguarding of electronic data - The storage strategies of digitised images (from books, documents,
photographs, all cultural historic paper heritage) - importance of digitisation in the preservation of
originals
 conservation of born digital archives, and even the very digital databases that every library, museum and
archive are producing
OTHERS
 digital library concerning the topic (book and paper conservation, restoration, preservation) in the
internet - theory readiness of preservation in Europe.
 Multi Lingual Bibliography Network – present state and future
 Innovative conservation treatments or New and old cleaning and reducing treatments
 Other areas of research
European Research Center for Book and Paper Conservation – Restoration Bankverbindung:
A-3580 Horn, Wiener Straße 2, Kunsthaus Sparkasse Horn-Ravelsbach-Kirchberg AG
BLZ: 20221 | Konto-Nr.: 07200012909
IBAN: AT962022107200012909 | BIC: SPHNAT21
Paper submission
Authors are kindly invited to submit papers: preferably abstracts of about 2 pages in a 12-point font.
All paper submissions will be handled electronically. Authors should please email their abstract to
Prof. Dr. Jedert.Vodopivec (Jedert.Vodopivec@gov.si) or Dr. Georgios Boudalis (geoboudalis@gmail.com).
The deadline for submissions is 30th April 2013
Process of Selection
The conference board will evaluate papers and suggested panels based on quality and relevance.
A preprint will be published, therefore a deadline is set on 30th July 2013 for handing in the final
papers.
After your paper will be selected we will ask for short CVs of all authors and co-authors.
The language will be English.
Registration for the conference will open in August 2013.
Board
Joseph Schirò (Heritage Malta, Malta) Elissaveta Moussakova (Method and Cyril Library, Sofia, Bulgaria) István Kecskeméti (State Archive, Helsinki, Finland) Marzenna Ciechanska (Academy of Fine Arts, Warsaw, Poland) Jedert Vodopivec (University and Archives of the Republic of Slovenia, Ljubljana Slovenia) Georgios Boudalis (Byzantine Museum, Thessaloniki, Greece)
Flavia Pinzari (Istituto Centrale per il Restauro e la Conservazione del Patrimonio Archivistico e Librario Laboratorio di Biologia, Rome, Italy)
Rodica Ion (ICECHIM, Bucharest and Valahia University, Targoviste, Romania)
Patricia Engel (European Research Centre for Book and Paper Conservation-Restoration, Horn, Austria)

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Torino 5 marzo 2013 Seminario: opere d’arte su carta: degradazione, ricerca e conservazione Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale.

IGIIC Gruppo Italiano:

Torino 5 marzo 2013
Seminario: opere d’arte su carta: degradazione, ricerca e conservazione
Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale.

ANTONIO MIRABILE
MA preventive conservation conservator of art and document on paper UNESCO consultant on conservation and preservation of manuscripts collection 

OPERE D'ARTE SU CARTA: DEGRADAZIONE, RICERCA E CONSERVAZIONE
Martedì 5 Marzo, ore 10.30
Aula Magna “G. Urbani”
Centro Conservazione e Restauro La Venaria Reale
Via XX Settembre 18, Venaria
Contatti: info.crbc at unito.it
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Crisp as a Poppadom - Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts

Crisp as a Poppadom - Medieval and Earlier Manuscripts:

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Randy Silverman receives Banks/Harris Preservation Award | American Libraries Magazine

CHICAGO - Randy Silverman, preservation librarian at the University of Utah, is the recipient of the 2013 Paul Banks and Carolyn Harris Preservation Award, given annually by the Association for Library Collections & Technical Services (ALCTS) Preservation and Reformatting Section (PARS).  The award, sponsored by Preservation Technologies, L. P., consists of $1,500 and a citation.  It recognizes the contribution of a professional preservation specialist who has been active in the field of preservation of library materials.  The award will be presented on Sunday, June 30, at the ALCTS Awards Ceremony during the 2013 American Library Association (ALA) Annual Conference in Chicago. 

click link to read more...Randy Silverman receives Banks/Harris Preservation Award | American Libraries Magazine

Seminario di studi proposto da: Archivio di Stato di Torino, Università degli Studi di Torino, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica

SCIENZA E BENI CULTURALI:

Seminario di studi proposto da:

Archivio di Stato di Torino, Università degli Studi di Torino, Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica
Mecoledì 20 febbraio 2013, ore 14,30
Archivio di Stato di Torino
Sala Conferenze, Piazzetta Mollino, 1

Il seminario intende presentare alcuni aspetti innovativi nel campo della ricerca e della tecnologia applicata all'analisi di libri e documenti e alla conservazione ottimale dei supporti, papiro, carta e pergamena.

Sono previsti interventi di:

Maria Barbara Bertini, Direttore dell'Archivio di Stato di Torino;

Alessandro Vitale Brovarone, dell'Università degli Studi di Torino;

Fulvio Mercuri, dell'Università di Roma "Tor Vergata";

Flavia Pinzari e Livia Martinelli del Laboratorio di Biologia (ICRCPAL-Roma);

Elena Badea, dell'Univerità di Craiova e INCDTP-ICPI di Bucarest, Romania;

Paola Iacomussi e Michela Radis del Dipartimento di Ottica dell'Istituto Nazionale di Ricerca Metrologica di Torino.

La partecipazione al seminario è gratuita.

E' richiesta l'iscrizione  al sito web 

http://www.inrim.it/beniculturali/2013/iscrizioni.html

Saranno accettate iscrizioni fino alla capienza massima della sala.

Segreteria Organizzativa

Silvia Cavallero (INRIM): s.cavallero_at_inrim.it

Tel. 011 39 19 523

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Conservation Librarian/Book Conservator | MLibrary

Conservation Librarian/Book Conservator | MLibrary:

Conservation Librarian/Book Conservator

LIBRARY PRESERVATION AND CONSERVATION UNIT

The University of Michigan Library has received a $1.25 million challenge grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to fund a new senior conservator position in its Department of Preservation and Conservation.

The Mellon Foundation grant includes $1 million in permanent endowment funds and $250,000 to establish the new position while the library raises matching funds for the endowment, which will support the position permanently.

The U-M library has launched a nationwide search for an experienced and talented book conservator to join its established conservation team.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conservation Treatment. Plans, documents, and performs complex conservation treatments on materials held in the library’s rare and special collections. Scope of expertise is principally bound volumes on paper with additional expertise in related areas such as maps, prints, drawings, and manuscripts on paper, photographic materials, documents on vellum or papyrus, or other library/archive materials. Examines and executes analytical tests on collection materials and helps inform curatorial staff and researchers on their physical makeup or technology of production. Documents examinations and treatments in writing and by photography. Expertise is based on extensive experience and an advanced knowledge of the materials science and chemistry of paper and other writing materials; the history of binding, printing, and manuscripts; and current conservation theory and practice. Contributes to the maintenance of the Conservation Unit and Lab: prepares materials used for conservation; monitors supply needs; maintains specialized equipment; maintains security for valuable library materials; understands, follows, and enforces safe laboratory practices.

Management. Develops standards, policies, procedures, and selection of materials used in the repair and conservation of both rare and non-rare library materials; may have primary/final responsibility for developing policy in areas of specialization. Researches specifications and sources of conservation materials or equipment. Trains, supervises, or coordinates the work of others such as conservation technicians, student assistants, interns, volunteers, or staff from other units as needed either on a project basis or permanent staff. Works with curators to plan for the welfare of the collections and select items for conservation treatment. Advises library staff on the condition of collections, collection storage, handling, and exhibition; performs on-site inspections, recommends appropriate action, and assists with its implementation. Conducts condition surveys of collections. Designs and executes special conservation projects including grant-funded projects, conservation aspects of exhibits or digitization, and loan preparations. May assume responsibility for managing project budgets. Assists in providing disaster recovery services for library materials; may assume primary responsibility for disaster recovery operations.

Research and Outreach. Contributes to the conservation field in areas of specialization through service, research, writing, presentations, and/or teaching. Stays informed on current library conservation issues and practice through professional reading, conferences, workshops, or similar activities. May organize and present workshops in areas of expertise for unit staff, library staff, or external audiences. Engages in outreach to the campus, local, and regional cultural heritage community and serves as an expert resource. Answers conservation-related questions from library staff, students, and the public; assists in hosting tours of the Lab.

QUALIFICATIONS

• ALA-accredited master's degree, a master’s degree in conservation, or equivalent advanced degree and experience is required. This is a senior-level position requiring extensive professional experience, preferably in a research library environment.
• Extensive knowledge of the materiality and history of books, paper, and related library materials. Detailed understanding and high-level experience of relevant conservation theory and practice. Understanding and adherence to professional ethical practice in conservation.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational, project management, interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written. Ability to work independently and in a group environment as part of a well-functioning and diverse team. Computer skills: communications, word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and image processing.
• Demonstrated ability to contribute to the profession through service, teaching, research and/or publication.
• Previous experience supervising technicians, interns, or student assistants preferred.

ENVIRONMENT

The University of Michigan, a leader in undergraduate and graduate education and one of the world’s premier research universities, hosts renowned faculty, rigorous academic programs, and diverse cultural and social opportunities in a stimulating intellectual environment. The University Library is a top research library that enjoys a reputation for being a leader and innovator. Established nearly 175 years ago, the library has amassed collections of extraordinary breadth and depth. Some special collections of note include ancient papyrus, medieval manuscripts, Islamic manuscripts, early printed books, maps, theater and literature, early astronomy, and anarchism and social protest. Preservation was established as a specialist department within the library in 1982 and provides a range of services supporting the many formats and materials the library collects. The Department of Preservation and Conservation Web site may be found at:http://www.lib.umich.edu/preservation-and-conservation

Situated in the heart of Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan is in a unique urban area with a small-town atmosphere and a vibrant cultural and intellectual sensibility.

BENEFITS, RANK, and SALARY

Rank and salary are dependent on qualifications and experience. As a professional appointment in the University of Michigan University Library, this position offers full benefits and opportunities for professional development and travel, and participates fully in faculty governance.

Further information regarding benefits can be found at http://benefits.umich.edu/benefitgroups/faculty.html.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS:  TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments options available.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Email a cover letter and CV as attachments to libhumres@umich.edu, addressed to:

Andrea Tekac Lubetkin
Director, Library Human Resources
3026 Shapiro Undergraduate Library
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-118

For further information, call 734-764-2546 between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday-Friday. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Review of applications will begin March 25, 2013, and continue until the position is filled.

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