Rare Books Conservator
Princeton University Library
The Princeton University Library is seeking a Rare Books Conservator
to join the Preservation Office. We welcome applications from
colleagues at all stages in their careers. Potential applicants who
would like to learn more about the position, the Preservation
Office, the Library and Princeton are encouraged to contact Maria
Grandinette
are also welcome.
The Princeton University Library is one of the world's leading
research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200
undergraduates, 2,600 graduate students, 853 faculty members, and
many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million
printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items,
and extensive collections of digital text, data, and images. The
Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300
professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9
specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities.
Major Responsibilities: The Rare Books Conservator is responsible
for the physical care and conservation treatment of rare books and
bound manuscripts held in the special collections throughout the
Princeton University Library. These materials are characterized by
rarity, uniqueness, and complex technical problems. They inspire
and support the research and teaching of students, faculty, and
scholars.
Within this context, the Rare Books Conservator performs all aspects
of book conservation designed to preserve the books' historical,
artifactual, and intrinsic value while insuring their ability to be
used. The Rare Books Conservator should be comfortable assessing,
discussing, recommending, and performing treatment and stabilization
of bound books and manuscripts across a spectrum of traditions. She
or he should approach each treatment with sensitivity, and be
versatile, calling upon their knowledge of materials and techniques
drawn from deep experience with the craft.
The Rare Books Conservator works in close association with
Preservation Office staff including the Head, Library Preservation
and the Rare Books, Paper, and Collections conservators. As part of
this team, and in close collaboration with curators throughout the
library, she or he formulates preservation and conservation
priorities and treatment, as well as housing strategies for
Princeton University Library's rare and unique bound materials.
While the emphasis of this position is on single-item treatment, the
Rare Books Conservator contributes to the overall preservation
effort by advising our colleagues throughout the Library on care and
handling of rare materials during use, collection storage and
transport, exhibition, and digital imaging. In addition, she or he
will be called upon to provide training to staff and/or interns.
This position reports directly to the Head of Library Preservation.
Essential Qualifications: Advanced degree in book conservation
through an accredited graduate or equivalent certificate program,
formal apprenticeship, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 6
years professional experience in rare books conservation. Practical
knowledge and understanding of the principles of book conservation,
history of book structure, binding techniques, and materials
science. Demonstrated ability and commitment to a treatment
approach that marries the needs of the object and the needs of the
curator, researcher, and faculty and, where applicable, the rigors
of exhibition and reproduction. Demonstrated commitment to
following the American Institute for Conservation's Code of Ethics
and Guidelines for Practice. Demonstrated ability to perform a
wide-range of book conservation treatments; to communicate and
collaborate effectively with staff in a complex organization; to
work as part of a team with preservation and conservation peers and
colleagues; to work independently and to plan and structure one's
responsibilities accordingly. Experience coordinating conservation
treatment activities among several special collections
constituencies.
Preferred Qualifications: A minimum of 4 years professional
experience in rare books conservation in an academic and/or research
library. Demonstrated knowledge of Western binding before 1600.
Demonstrated knowledge of Coptic, Islamic, and/or East Asian binding
traditions and treatment techniques. Experience training
technicians and/or interns.
An applicant who is chosen for an interview must present a portfolio
of rare books conservation treatments, including treatment
documentation, as well as samples of binding work.
Compensation and Benefits: Princeton offers competitive salaries
and a comprehensive benefits program that is responsive to the needs
of its diverse staff. The comprehensive benefits program includes
health and life insurance coverage, pension benefits, flexible
spending accounts, income protection in the event of short- and
long-term disabilities, benefits for employee education, children's
tuition grants, as well as 24 vacation days a year, 9 holidays and 2
personal days.
Nominations and Applications: Review of applications will begin
immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
Applications will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton
website:
and must include a resume, cover letter, and a list of three
references with full contact information. The position requisition
number is: 1300619.
Princeton University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action
employer.
Maria Grandinette
Head, Library Preservation
Princeton University Library
1 Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey 08544
609-258-5946
