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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