Brown University Library - The Library Conservator assesses, treats, documents and manages the conservation of a wide range of paper-based materials, including rare printed items, manuscripts, and cartographic materials. Responsible for evaluating materials for exhibition, reformatting, for repair by outside specialists, or for loan; for developing policies and procedures for materials conservation; taking an active role in training conservation technician staff, performing inventories of conservation needs and helping set priorities for repairs; and for collaborating with Library staff to ensure the stability of materials used in teaching, research, and exhibitions.
The Library Conservator will contribute to the management of conservation projects that have library and university-wide impact on the access, usability, and preservation of scholarly content in support of teaching, learning, research and creative expression. Will contribute to related projects and represent BUL in regional/national/international projects and initiatives. The Library Conservator collaborates closely with special collections curators, Exhibition Curator, and the Director of Special Collections and reports to Head, Preservation, Conservation and Library Annex in Access Services and Collection Management.
Major Responsibilities: Conservation of paper-based library materials in support of research, teaching, and exhibition use. Plans, performs, coordinates and documents both basic and complex stabilization or repairs for a broad range of paper based library materials including books, bound and unbound manuscripts, works of art on paper, maps, ephemera and parchment. Establishes, in collaboration with librarians, archivists, and curators, treatment priorities at the item and collection level for both general and special collections materials to facilitate access and long-term preservation for collections. Documents treatments with photographs and written reports following American Institute for Conservation (AIC) guidelines and best practices. Facilitates high-quality outsourced conservation treatment for collections by recommending appropriate vendors, reviewing treatment plans, and assessing final outcomes to ensure that goals of treatment are met and consistent with overall programmatic approach. Manages deadlines and schedules for surveys, special projects, digitization-driven work and outsourced projects.
Assists with exhibit preparation, digitization, and other activities involving use of paper based collections. Evaluates materials selected for exhibition, digitization, or prolonged use in teaching and research. Ensures proper conservation treatments for selected materials prior to exhibit; and makes recommendations for appropriate handling and display.
Develops strategies, policies and procedures for materials conservation. Participates in performing regular inventories of conservation needs. Ensures that all work and services carried out are in accordance with accepted professional standards, such as the American Institute for Conservation Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice. Prepares condition reports, conducts surveys, and provides other written assessment as necessary. Working with curators, librarians, and archivists, develops and implements preservation and treatment strategies at the collection level. Advises and instructs preservation staff in the implementation of basic and standardized repairs. Triages materials for treatment, particularly in emergency situations. Keeps current with new techniques.
Job Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and formal training in book conservation at the graduate level, or equivalent combination of apprenticeship, advanced courses, internships and experience; MLS or equivalent degree preferred
- Minimum of five years of experience in conservation work
- Excellence in performing complex conservation treatments on a broad range of library and archival materials as demonstrated through a portfolio
- Demonstrated record of managing and designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion
- Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment
- Knowledge of the history of book and paper making, bookbinding techniques, and the history and manufacture of other library materials; and the nature and causes of book and paper deterioration
- Knowledge of and adherence to professional ethical practice in conservation
- Working knowledge of chemistry as it applies to library materials
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, strong interpersonal and organizational skills
including demonstrated ability to prepare reports and procedural documentation
- Commitment to diversity, equity, access and inclusion
Candidates please note: All offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.
To apply, please use this link to directly view the position on Brown’s Career Site: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/staff-careers-brown/job/University-Library/Chief-Conservator_REQ141229-1.
Brown University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic global community; as an EEO/AA employer, Brown considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of, gender, race, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status.
About Brown (Please visit our website and get to know us better at: www.brown.edu). Located in historic Providence, Rhode Island and founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest college in the United States. Brown is an independent, coeducational Ivy League institution comprising undergraduate and graduate programs, plus the Alpert Medical School, School of Public Health, School of Engineering, and the School of Professional Studies.
With its talented and motivated student body and accomplished faculty, Brown is a leading research university that maintains a particular commitment to exceptional undergraduate instruction. Brown’s vibrant, diverse campus community consists of about 4,500 staff and faculty, 6,200 undergraduates, 2,000 graduate students, 490 medical school students, more than 5,000 summer, visiting, and online students, and over 700 faculty members. Brown students come from all 50 states and more than 115 countries. Brown is frequently recognized for its global reach, many cultural events, numerous campus groups and activities, active community service programs, highly competitive athletics, and beautiful facilities located in a richly historic urban setting.
Brown offers competitive benefits such as a generous retirement plan and education programs; details are available at: http://www.brown.edu/about/administration/human-resources/.
#job