Professional Librarian Position
Professional Librarian Vacancy
POSITION: Special Collections Conservator (18.75 hours /week)
DEPARTMENT: Preservation
DIVISION: Technical Services and Resource Management
REPORTS TO: Head, Preservation Department
Northwestern University Library announces the search for a half-time Special Collections Conservator. We are seeking a professionally trained conservator with exceptional conservation treatment skills to perform conservation treatment on special collections and to assist in developing new initiatives for the conservation and evaluation of special collections.
Description of Duties; Under the general supervision of the Head of the Preservation Department, the Special Collections Conservator is responsible for the treatment and evaluation of special collections materials. The Special collections Conservator performs a broad range of conservation treatments and may be called on to train and supervise the work of interns and conservation technicians when they are working on projects involving special collections.
The Special Collections Conservator works with the Preservation Department Head and the Conservation Librarian to manage the flow of special collections materials through the conservation lab. The Special Collections Conservator, in consultation with librarians, curators, and archivists, examines, develops treatment specifications for, and treats special collections materials. These materials include bound items, manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other unbound archival and special collections materials on paper and vellum Treatment includes the preparation of condition and treatment reports with an appropriate level of photo documentation. The Special Collections Conservator conducts condition surveys and assists in the development of action plans for special collections. The Special Collections Conservator stays current with new developments in the field of library conservation, conducts research to further Library and departmental goals, and represents the Library at regional, national and international meetings of conservation professionals. As needed, the Special Collections Conservator assists with preservation education and outreach initiatives, consults on exhibits design and preparation, and participates in disaster response initiatives.
Qualifications: Required: Master’s degree from a recognized conservation training program or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience. Extensive knowledge of current conservation principles and practices, materials science, and the history of bookbinding and conservation. Demonstrated ability to perform high quality conservation treatments on special collections materials, primarily book and paper, and to communicate effectively about treatment options and decisions. Applicants invited for an interview will be asked to submit a portfolio of recent conservation treatments. Preferred: Five years experience as a conservator in a recognized research library conservation program. Experience working with photographs.
Environment: Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, is a major private university with an extensive library system. This includes the Northwestern University Library, three branch libraries on the Evanston Campus, and three libraries on the Chicago Campus. Northwestern University Library is a member of the Association of Research Library (ARL) and participates in programs of the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). The holdings of the libraries total over 4 million volumes.
Salary: Dependent upon qualifications and experience.
To Apply: Send a letter of application and resume, including names of three references to Peter J. Devlin, Personnel Librarian, Northwestern University Library, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 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.
