Conservation Resident Librarian

The University of Chicago is accepting applications for a two year post-graduate residency in conservation. The residency provides an opportunity for a recent graduate to apply conservation principles and build treatment experience in a large research library. Under the guidance of the Head of Conservation and working with other conservation staff, the Resident Librarian will perform complex treatments on diverse library and archival materials. Materials include, but are not limited to, leather and vellum bindings, paper, papyrus, and parchment. The Resident Librarian is encouraged to do research on a topic in conservation, and/or a preservation project such as a condition or needs assessment survey. This position is contingent on the availability of funding.

Treatment Responsibilities

• Examines and analyzes collection material and develops appropriate decision-making criteria for treatment based on type of material, knowledge of historical bindings, and use patterns within the Library.
• Executes complex and intermediate conservation treatments within accepted standards and the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Creates full written and photographic treatment documentation.
• Possesses a current awareness of conservation principles and practices as they apply to library and archival materials; cultivates and tests new treatment procedures and approaches to problem-solving.
• Keeps informed of developments and research in the field of conservation and related disciplines, via published literature and online sources, and through professional memberships, meetings and workshops.
• Performs research on conservation topics relevant to Library collections.

Preservation Responsibilities

• Conducts individual item assessments and collection-based surveys of general and special library collections in cooperation with other library staff
• Serves as a resource on broader preservation issues for the Library in areas such as environmental control and storage and the care of collections.
• Assists with disaster recovery and preparedness activities.
• Assists with environmental monitoring program.

Required Qualifications
Must be a recent graduate of a recognized master’s level conservation training program; working knowledge of organic chemistry and its application in the field of conservation; demonstrated knowledge of current conservation theory and practice; thorough understanding of the principles of preservation with regard to library and archival materials; thorough understanding of the history and technology of book structures, printing processes, photographic processes, and paper making; ability to perform complex conservation treatments on library and archival materials as demonstrated by a portfolio; excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communications skills; ability to lift at least 50 pounds; demonstrated computer and related technology skills.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to present a portfolio representative of their conservation treatment work in the area of library and archival materials.

Apply for this position at: https://academiccareers.uchicago.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=53918.  Please submit a cover letter, CV and reference contact information through the above site by April 24, 2015. 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, protected veteran status or status as an individual with disability.  

 The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action / Equal Opportunity / Disabled / Veterans Employer.

 

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";}

Learn More »