Conservator (Associate Librarian)

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Job Description

Who We Are

The Libraries are the indispensable hub of discovery, learning and creativity with the teaching and research that goes on in the colleges and academic departments. We offer rich and extraordinary collections at the University Libraries. The Libraries resources and services enable and support the University missions of teaching, research, and service. Learn more about our various libraries at https://library.tamu.edu

What We Want

The Preservation Department of the Texas A&M University Libraries is hiring a new Conservator (Associate Librarian) to manage its conservation program for special and archival collections. This Associate Librarian will be responsible for managing the department’s state-of-the-art conservation lab, supervising staff and student employees, and performing conservation treatments for books and paper-based materials from the Libraries’ Special Collections and Archives. The selected candidate for this position will also contribute leadership to departmental activities, initiatives, and other events that promote preservation and conservation within the University Libraries, the campus, and the broader community and professional field.

What You Need to Know

Proposed Minimum Salary: $72,335.00 annually

Submitting a cover letter and resume/CV are strongly recommended and will help us with the review process. You may upload these documents on the application under CV/Resume.

Required Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Conservation, Library Science, Museum Studies, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Five years of conservation or related experience

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Certification in conservation

• Conservation Specialty: Book, Paper, Photography, or Preventative with focus in Archives/Paper-based media

• Five years of post-graduate professional experience working in a university library, museum, or archives

• Experience in writing grants for conservation projects

• Experience working with donors and outreach programs

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of academic library functions

• Demonstrated knowledge of conservation techniques, analysis, principles, and ethics

• Knowledge of preservation standards, best practices, and strategies for Special Collections materials

• Attention to detail with accuracy and precision in your work

• Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with colleagues, stakeholders, and vendors

Responsibilities:

• Performs Conservation Treatments: Performs conservation treatments for the University Libraries’ paper-based special collection materials. Documents all conservation treatments through written report and photo-documentation; conducts and prepares condition assessments; provides other reports, surveys, and assessments as necessary. Utilizes analytical equipment in the conservation lab to conduct technical research and to guide treatment decisions on special collections materials and artifacts. Assesses the condition of non-paper-based collection materials for potential treatment by external conservation and manages the Outside Vendor Conservation workflow. Develops procedures, guidelines, and best practices in accordance with the Code of Ethics from the American Institute of Conservation (AIC).

• Coordinates Conservation Efforts with Cushing Administrators, Curators, and Staff: Evaluates the conservation needs of special collections items, determines the optimal treatment, creates treatment proposals, prioritizes treatments with corresponding curators, and provides recommendations for suitable display, storage, and/or lending. Cooperates closely with the Collections Care Coordinator to develop and implement interdepartmental procedures, priorities, and plans for preservation and conservation. Establishes and maintains professional relationships with curators, librarians, specialists, and other stakeholders to coordinate workflows, share resources, and provide expertise within the Libraries.

• Supports Collections Care Preservation Efforts: Works with fellow Preservation librarians and library professionals, especially with Collections Care staff, to support housing/enclosure efforts, large projects, item transfers, and in-house exhibitions. Supports the Preservation team in developing and implementing large preservation strategies for all Libraries collections. Serves as a member of the Libraries’ emergency response and disaster recovery teams while participating in disaster planning and training.

• Manages Conservation Lab: Develops and maintains conservation lab workspaces and workflows, equipment and tools, and materials and supplies. Supervises, trains, and evaluates designated staff, student employees, and interns in conservation activities and related preservation tasks. Manages lab safety and security measures, maintains a chemical hygiene plan, and prepares or aids in developing disaster response plans.

• Participates in Professional Service: Engages in service to the Conservation field, attends conferences, and participates in professional development activities with the purpose of supporting the body of knowledge about the Libraries’ collections and of implementing innovative, impactful, and expert treatments to them. Serves on Libraries, campus, and local committees and working groups as able and appropriate and performs other duties as assigned.

Why Texas A&M University?

Our Commitment: Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experience. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration. Amenities associated with a major university, such as: sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you. Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. In addition, you have access to many benefits and perks, such as:

• Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums

• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays

• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month

• Automatic enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas

• Free exercise programs and release time for health and wellness programs

• All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training programs, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more

• Educational release time and tuition assistance for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.