Conservation Librarian
Tulane University

Job Info

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Conservation Librarian

Location:
New Orleans, LA
Open Date:
Apr 26, 2022
Description:

The Conservation Librarian is responsible for collaborating with librarians and staff to identify, assess and inventory the conservation needs of library materials and ensure their appropriate treatment.  They identify conservation priorities, develops plans, estimates necessary resources, and manages a workflow that appropriately leads to conservation or withdrawal of materials based on condition and other criteria.  They identify and work with outside conservation vendors to provide appropriate treatments to at-risk materials, negotiates costs and timelines, ensures proper handling, and monitors vendor performance when treatment exceeds time and resources at the Libraries conservation lab.  Supervises one conservation specialist.  Trains binding staff in basic in-house repair.  Performs some intermediate conservation of materials.  Trains staff in recovery methods for damaged materials. Serves as a resource for conservation. Plays a leading role on the library's emergency recovery team.  Monitors and orders disaster and conservation supplies and equipment. Actively participates in professional and scholarly associations to acquire new knowledge, update skills, and keep abreast of emerging trends and issues in preservation and conservation. The Conservation Librarian is a member of the Libraries Technical Services Division and reports to the Director of Technical Services. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Collaborates with various librarians and staff to identify, assess, and inventory the conservation needs for library materials.
• Identifies conservation priorities, develops plans, estimates necessary resources and manages a workflow that appropriately leads to conservation or withdrawal or materials based on condition and other criteria.
• Identifies and works with outside conservation vendors to provide appropriate treatments to at-risk materials, negotiates costs and timelines, ensures proper handling, and monitors vendor performance.
• Performs some intermediate conservation treatments
• Supervises one conservation assistant and trains staff in basic in-house repair and stabilization
• Trains staff in recovery methods for damaged materials; serves as a resource for conservation and preservation matters; serves as a member of the library's emergency recovery team; monitors and orders disaster and conservation supplies and equipment
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• ALA accredited master's degree in library and information science with an emphasis in conservation or an advanced degree in materials science
• 3 years working in a conservation lab

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES TYPICALLY NEEDED TO PERFORM THIS JOB SUCCESSFULLY: 

1. Demonstrated formal training and experience in book and paper conservation techniques
2. Knowledge of conservation standards, ethics, and current trends in the field
3. Knowledge of conservation principles, techniques, and procedures as relating to a wide variety of materials
4. Experience developing, designing and/or carrying out condition surveys and conservation needs assessments
5. Experience with staff supervision and project management
6. Strong leadership, organization, problem solving and analytic skills
7. Ability to work independently and with others
8. Ability to meet Level 1 Core Competencies as defined here: http://library.tulane.edu/sites/library.tulane.edu/files/documents/core_technology_competencies.pdf

 

PREFERRED:

1. Experience working in a research or academic library conservation lab

Application Instructions:

To ensure full consideration, applicants must submit a letter of application, resume, and the names with full contact information of at least three professional references.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Please Note: Tulane University has officially adopted a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All employees and visiting faculty must be fully vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccination or obtain approval for a medical or religious exemption prior to beginning employment.

Tulane University is located in New Orleans - a city with tremendous history of diverse cultures, community, and languages. Tulane is actively building a campus culture grounded in our values of EDI and anti-racism. We seek and welcome candidate applications from historically underrepresented groups, such as BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), women, LGBTQ+, and those living with disabilities as well as veterans. 

Tulane University is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution committed to excellence through diversity. Tulane University will not discriminate based upon race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law. All eligible candidates are encouraged to apply.

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