Librarian Position
NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY
Professional Librarian Vacancy
POSITION: Preservation Librarian
DEPARTMENT: Preservation Department
DIVISION: Technical Services and Resource Management (TSRM)
REPORTS TO: Head, Preservation Department
Description of Duties: Under the general supervision of the Head of the Preservation
Department, the Preservation Librarian assumes primary responsibility for major preventive
preservation functions within the Preservation Department. The Preservation Librarian directly
manages commercial binding, shelf preparation, reformatting, and mass deacidification and
works closely with the department head to design and complete collection surveys and develop
grant proposals for major preservation projects. The Preservation Librarian works closely with
librarians and curators throughout the Library, including staff in the Digital Collections
Department. The Preservation Librarian advises on preservation issues related to digitizing
projects and works closely with the Preservation Department Head and other library staff to
address issues of long-term digital preservation, including digital repository planning and
development.
Management and Supervision: Manages critical preventive programs including marking and
shelf preparation, commercial binding, mass deacidification, and microfilming. Supervises a
staff of 3 full-time employees; insures that materials are marked and labeled accurately;
supervises all bindery preparation work; manages weekly binding shipments and associated
financial accounts; works with vendors to organize ongoing mass deacidification and
microfilming projects.
Collections Maintenance: Manages preventive collections maintenance projects such as
boxmaking and encapsulation. Assists in planning and implementing collection surveys and
multi-divisional and multi-institutional grant-funded projects. Works closely with Department
Head and Conservation Librarian to develop and implement policies, standards and procedures
for the physical care of Library collections; provides technical advice on housing, storage,
handling, and repair options for library collections. Actively participates in disaster response
planning and recovery initiatives.
Digital Projects and Digital Preservation Planning: Advises the Digital Collections
Department staff and staff from other units on the suitability of collections for digitization,
consults on digitization standards and best practices, and answers questions related to the
physical handling and final disposition of collections that are being digitized. Works with the
Preservation Department Head to address issues related to the long term preservation of digital
content through in-house repository development or involvement in cooperative programs.
Environmental Monitoring and Pest Management: Manages environmental monitoring and
pest management programs; downloads environmental data from dataloggers in multiple
locations, analyzes data and produces quarterly reports; works with Preservation Department
Head and facilities officers throughout the organization to promote a proactive approach to
facilities issues; may serve as primary departmental liaison for planning collection moves.
Outreach and Training: Works with Department Head and Conservation Librarian to design
and present workshops and training seminars; offers orientation for new library staff; prepares
flyers, guides and exhibits as needed; assists in presenting lectures and tours for the general
public.
Professional Development: Stays current with new developments in the field of library
preservation and conservation; conducts research to further Library and departmental goals;
represents the Library at regional, national and international meetings of preservation and
conservation professionals.
Qualifications: Required: Master's degree from a recognized preservation or conservation
training program or equivalent combination of education and experience. Extensive knowledge
of current preservation and conservation practices; knowledge of digitization standards and best
practices, especially for audio and film collections; ability to communicate effectively about a
broad range of preservation services and options. Demonstrated management and supervisory
skills and a strong service orientation are also required. Preferred: Five years preservation or
conservation experience in a recognized research library preservation program, demonstrating
increasing management and supervisory responsibilities.
Salary: Dependent on qualifications and experience.
TO APPLY: Send letter of application and resume, including names of three references, to
Peter J. Devlin, Personnel Librarian, Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus
Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208-2300 or library-personnel@northwestern.edu. Review of
applications will begin immediately and continue until position is filled. Northwestern
University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. Employment eligibility
verification required upon hire.
