Conservation Technician, Yale University Library, New Haven, CT
Posted March 15, 2018
Conservation Technician
Collections Conservation and Housings
Yale University Library
Grade D
STARS Requisition number: 48097BR
For a complete job description please go to:
Position Focus:
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Conservator, Collection Conservation and Housings, performs a variety of tasks related to the conservation of books and other library materials from Yale’s general, circulating, rare, and special collections.
Treatments applied in combination include, but are not limited to, conservation rebinding, rebacking and board reattachment; surface cleaning; aqueous treatment; mending and/or lining; tape and adhesive removal. Designs and makes complex, custom-fit enclosures for fragile objects using supplied materials. These may include custom 4-flap, clamshell or 2-piece boxes, which can be made by hand or using a Kasemake automated box-making system and its unique software. Tracks incoming and outgoing collection items for the unit. May assist with surveys noting general conditions of cultural property. Assists with laboratory maintenance, supply inventories, and restocking; prepares solutions and other stock treatment essentials (e.g., paste, adhesives). Selects and uses appropriate specialized tools and equipment appropriate for the treatment task; this includes but is not limited to hand tools, book presses, board shears, guillotine, ultrasonic welder, board creaser, suction table and suction disc. As needed, assists in the preparation and installation of library materials for exhibition. Assists with disaster recovery operations following standard recovery procedures. Performs other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience:
Six years of related work experience, four of them in the same job family at the next lower level, and high school level education; or four years of related work experience and an Associate’s degree; or little or no work experience and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field; or an equivalent combination of experience and education.
Skill/Ability:
Demonstrated knowledge of the fundamentals, techniques and history of bookbinding, printing, and book treatment and conservation. A portfolio of relevant work is required.