Conservation Projects Associate - Library Associate 2

Conservation Projects Associate - Library Associate 2

Job No: 532069
Work Type: Staff Full-Time
Location: Main Campus (Gainesville, FL)
Categories: Libraries/Museums
Department: 55100100 - LB-PRESERVATION DEPT-CHAIR

Job Description

Classification Title:

Library Associate 2

Job Description:

JOB SUMMARY

The Conservation Projects Specialist (Library Associate 2) oversees all aspects of the evaluation, tracking, and project management of materials selected for digitization. Reporting to the Conservator, this position is responsible for inspecting and performing a wide variety of treatments on both special and circulating collection materials and formats, including paper, cloth and leather bindings, maps and flat paper, manuscripts, photographs, and other objects according to established best practices and procedure to facilitate preservation and digitization. The Projects Specialist receives and inspects materials as part of the established digitization workflows and works closely with Digital Support Services staff and curators to plan and perform treatments on collections before and after digitization. This position also performs post-digitization review, documentation of damage, repair, and tracking of all materials to ensure they are returned to the appropriate holding location, and works with selectors and project managers in long term housing and storage options.

The Conservation Projects Specialist will also work with the Conservation staff to perform a wide range of treatments to both circulating and special collections to support research and exhibition needs.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Conservation Treatments

Uses independent judgment to perform preventive and conservation interventions to support the digitization of items in accordance with conservation standards. This may include cleaning, disbinding, humidification and flattening, mending, repair or preparation of the materials to facilitate scanning and mitigate possible damage.

Conservation Assessments

Receives, inspects, documents, and establishes a use and treatment plan for all materials going through the scanning process. Identifies issues that may impact the physical stability and digital capture of materials.

Project Management

Responsible for tracking, and routing of digital project materials from entry into department until exit, including security while material is in the unit. Decides on processes or routes materials to appropriate staff and/or digital equipment. For large projects or grant funded projects, the Conservation Associate may supervise and assign tasks to student and/or project staff. Maintains basic statistics on work performed for regular reporting and planning.

Advanced Treatments

Undertakes complex and advanced special collections conservation treatments and housing constructions to support work on grants, special projects, and exhibits.

Binding and Repair

Assists with circulation repair work, using independent judgment repairs or restores bindings and flat paper in accordance with conservation standards. Among other duties this may include construction of new bindings, replacement of spines, rebacking, resewing of text blocks, addition of new end sheets and tip-ins, tissue mends, deacidification, encapsulation, mold remediation, freeze drying and insect extermination using blast freezing, and creation of protective enclosures.

Other Duties

Performs other duties as assigned, including maintaining statistics, serving on selected committees, interacting with the public, and assisting in disaster response and recovery. Attends workshops and training as needed to build and maintain skills and competencies.



Expected Salary:

$51,884 minimum salary; The Smathers Libraries offer a salary commensurate with experience and credentials.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree and two years of related library experience; or a bachelor's degree and four years of related library experience; or any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Formal education in bookbinding or book conservation
• Familiarity with scanning and digital practices, processes and equipment
• Knowledge of basic and intermediate book binding methods, book structures, and conservation treatment techniques
• Ability and desire to learn book and paper conservation techniques through training from both internal and external sources
• Knowledge of conservation ethics, practices, and techniques employed with archival and library materials
• Knowledge and experience with a variety of paper-based materials and conservation supplies
• Knowledge of and ability to use bookbinding and conservation tools, equipment and supplies effectively, both manual and power equipment
• Knowledge of or ability to learn library systems (ALMA and Trello) to facilitate tracking and decision-making
• Knowledge of and experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Ability to plan, organize, and coordinate multiple work flows
• Ability to plan and carry out physical condition inspections and treatments
• Familiarity with organic and paper chemistry
• Flexibility, and ability to adapt and work in a rapidly changing academic environment
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently to accomplish goals

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on June 29, 2024 (applications will be reviewed as received). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system. If you have any questions or concerns about this process, please contact Tina Marie Litchfield, George A. Smathers Libraries Human Resources Office, at tlitchfield@uflib.ufl.edu.
Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required:
No

Applications Close: 04 Jul 2024

To apply, visit https://explore.jobs.ufl.edu/en-us/job/532069/conservation-projects-associate-library-associate-2

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