Book Conservator for Special Collections

12-Aug-2024

Book Conservator for Special Collections

Harvard Library

66589BR

Job Summary

This is a one-year term position.
Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day on September 3, 2024.

The Book Conservator for Special Collections performs advanced to complex treatments on printed books and bound manuscripts from special collections held in Harvard libraries. The conservator reports to the Senior Rare Book Conservator in the Weissman Preservation Center.

Position Description

• Examines and develops treatment specifications for and treats printed books and bound manuscripts on paper or vellum. Prepares condition and treatment reports including photo documentation. May test/identify pigments and fibers or other types of analysis. 
• Conducts condition surveys and collection assessments, analyzes results, and develops action plans to prioritize, treat, and specify protective enclosures for materials. 
• Consults with curators, conducts correspondence, and attends meetings representing the Weissman Preservation Center. 
• Packs and transports collection items between the repositories and the Weissman Preservation Center. 
• On a project basis, may oversee treatment performed by technicians, interns, or student assistants. 
• May be asked to participate in training, response, and recovery of collections with the guidance of the Library Collections Emergency Team. 
• Contributes to the maintenance of vendor files, inventories of conservation supplies and equipment, and the selection of materials for the Weissman Preservation Center resource library. 
• Contributes to the overall goals of the department as appropriate. 
• Responsible for recording work tasks completed and managing individual schedule to meet expected deadlines.

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree in conservation with specialization in book conservation, or equivalent training. 
• A minimum of one year of experience in a recognized conservation facility. 
• Working knowledge of history of bookbinding and printing and accompanying structures and materials. 
• Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking. 
• Ability to prepare and write clear and accurate reports and treatment documentation. 
• Demonstrated excellence performing a broad range of advanced to complex conservation treatments. 
• Ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, and to be flexible and work collaboratively. 
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals. 
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office software. 

Physical Requirements

• Job requires the ability to handle sharp tools and small instruments, work in a fume hood, climb step stools and small ladders, and operate heavy equipment (board shears, book presses, power cutters, etc.)
• Using appropriate safety measures, tasks may involve exposure to dust and mold or the use of light solvents.
• Some tasks involve standing for extended periods and/or bending, walking, and sitting. 
• Job requires ability in close vision and color vision. 

Working Conditions

• The position is based on site in Cambridge, MA and other Harvard facilities in the greater Boston area.  There may be the opportunity for flexible or remote work models compliant with Harvard University flex work policies.
• The conservation laboratory located within the Weissman Preservation Center is an active facility where treatment of diverse rare book, paper, and photograph collections throughout Harvard libraries is carried out. Survey, rehousing work, and occasional conservation assessments and treatment is done on-site at one of the Harvard libraries.
• May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

Job Function

Library

Department Office Location

USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code

386056 Library Professional

Work Format

On-Site

Sub-Unit

------------

Salary Grade

056

Department

Weissman Preservation Center

Annual Salary Range

$68,100 - $111,500

Union

00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status

Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening

Criminal, Education, Identity

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

Across the Harvard Library, our work is enriched by our diverse campus community. Our unique and wide-ranging abilities, experiences, and perspectives are integral to achieving Harvard University’s mission of excellence in research, teaching, and learning for our patrons, our collections, and our workplace. We believe that an inclusive environment that cultivates and promotes understanding, respect, and collaboration across our diverse workforce enables our success. 
 
We invite individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences and abilities to be a part of our community of over 700 staff members. Our work with faculty, students and researchers to explore answers to intellectual questions, enduring and new, and to seek solutions to the world’s most consequential problems, requires that we not only reflect, but also champion our diverse society. 
 
Harvard Library inspires collaboration, reflection, experimentation, and discovery connecting users to related disciplines and to University-wide teaching resources. The Library engages users through curated discovery, digital collections, reimagined physical space, and specialized research support.  Today, Harvard Library’s holdings range from traditional print collections to rapidly expanding access to digital resources. Harvard Library provides the University's faculty, students, and researchers—now and in the future—with exceptional experiences and comprehensive access to these materials. 
 
Learn more about our contributions to the academic enterprise by visiting us at http://library.harvard.edu and about the Harvard University community at http://hr.harvard.edu/why-harvard. 
 
The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.  

EEO Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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