Chief Conservator, Brown University, Providence, RI
Posted April 12, 2018
The Brown University Library seeks a dynamic and skilled professional to serve in the role of Chief Conservator. As part of the senior management team, the Chief Conservator will supervise the activities of the Conservation and Preservation Services unit. In addition to administrative and strategic leadership, the ideal candidate will provide conservation and preservation for both circulating and special collections. Activities include book and manuscript treatment, exhibition and loan support, disaster relief, environmental monitoring and facilities planning support. The Chief Conservator will oversee the conservation of a wide range of paper-based materials, with a focus on the Library’s rare printed items, manuscripts and cartographic materials.
Collaborating with Library staff, as well as campus-wide and external constituents, the Chief Conservator will contribute to the management of large scale high-profile conservation and preservation projects that have library-and university-wide impact on the development, access, usability, and preservation of scholarly content in support of teaching, learning, research and creative expression. The Chief Conservator will contribute to related projects and represent BUL in regional/national/international projects and initiatives.
The Chief Conservator supervises the Conservation & Preservation Services unit including the Bindery and the Library Annex (offsite storage). Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Access Services & Collection Management, the Chief Conservator will collaborate closely with Curators and the Director of Special Collections.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and formal training in paper conservation at the graduate level, or equivalent combination of apprenticeship, advanced courses, internships and experience
- MLS or equivalent degree
- Minimum of five years of experience in conservation work
- Experienced and demonstrated skill in supervision, including hiring, orienting, training and development, organizing workloads, delegating responsibility, providing guidance and direction
- 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
With its talented and motivated student body and accomplished faculty, Brown University is an Ivy League research university that maintains a strong commitment to exceptional undergraduate instruction and a robust research environment. Serving a student body of 6,200 undergraduates and 2,000 graduate students, 490 medical students, and approximately 750 faculty members, the Brown University Library employs approximately 63 professional, managerial, and technical staff, along with 60 support staff. The Library is an active member of the Association of Research Libraries, the Consortium of Rhode Island Academic and Research Libraries, NERL (the Northeast Research Libraries consortium), and participates in several shared resource agreements, including Borrow Direct.
To Apply: Please visit Brown University’s career opportunities website at: https://brown.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/staff-careers-brown/jobs and reference REQ141229. Complete an application online, attach documents, and submit for immediate consideration. Documents should include cover letter, resume, and the names, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses of three references. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
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.