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Harvard University
Helen H. Glaser Senior Paper Conservator
Harvard Library
61332BR
Job Summary
Although this position will remain posted until filled, applications are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day on March 20, 2023.
The Helen H. Glaser Senior Paper Conservator manages daily operations of an active conservation program for paper-based items in the special collections of Harvard Library including high-production conservation treatment workflows, preservation advice, consultation, education, and other programmatic activities. The Senior Paper Conservator manages relevant conservation projects such as digitization, exhibitions, patron use, and collections maintenance; collaborates with other Weissman Preservation Center (WPC) and Preservation Services managers to address the preservation needs and priorities of the Harvard Library collections community; and trains, guides, and mentors conservators, technicians, and interns. The position requires demonstrated experience with a broad range of paper-based materials and excellence in performing complex conservation treatments aligned with the American Institute for Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Although based in the Weissman Preservation Center special collections conservation laboratory, the conservator will travel to Harvard Library repositories and other sites as needed. The Senior Paper Conservator reports to the James Needham Chief Conservator for Weissman Preservation Center and Collections Care.
Position Description
General
•Examines, develops treatment specifications for, and treats special collections from Harvard libraries. These include manuscripts, prints, drawings, maps, and other (largely) unbound archival and special collections materials on paper and parchment, as well as three-dimensional paper and parchment objects.
•Advises on, initiates, and coordinates conservation projects for paper-based collections including conducting Harvard Library site-visits to assess, identify, and monitor preservation and conservation priorities; developing treatment specifications, protocols, and long-term preservation plans; working with colleagues to determine project scope and timeline; assigning projects to staff; tracking deadlines and ensuring treatment standards and protocols are being met.
•Works creatively and collaboratively with staff across Preservation Services to meet overall goals of the department and the mission of Harvard Library.
•Coordinates multiple projects and collaborates with Conservation and Preservation Services managers to develop and maintain cohesive workflows and policies based on available resources and unit capacity; adapts workflows of the team and initiates changes when necessary.
•Develops and maintains working relationships with internal and external patrons, colleagues, and vendors; facilitates and coordinates timely and effective communication with library colleagues and staff.
•Engages in review, interpretation, and development of conservation-related policies, methods, procedures, and services; works with others to update plans and implement recommendations for preservation strategies.
•Advocates for conservation practices and policies across Harvard Library; interprets conservation procedures and practice to patrons, faculty, staff, and other academic and administrative officers.
•Performs a broad range of advanced to complex conservation treatments aligned with the American Institute of Conservation’s Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice; prepares accompanying condition, treatment, and other reports including photo documentation.
•Contributes to and advocates for Harvard Library’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Anti-Racism initiatives.
•Models inclusive and equitable leadership and decision making.
•Participates in packing and transport of collection items between the libraries and the Weissman Preservation Center.
Supervisory
•Supervises exempt and non-exempt paper conservators and technicians in WPC and is responsible for maintaining a cohesive team among staff members working in multiple locations.
•Develops, adapts, and organizes workflows, assigns work, and tracks deadlines for staff, interns, fellows, or contractors working on paper conservation projects.
•Delivers training, conducts goal setting and annual performance reviews for staff, participates in job postings, and serves on search committees. Provides mentoring and coaching for staff and students involved in paper conservation.
•Meets regularly with direct reports, individually and in groups.
**Continue under Additional Information**
Basic Qualifications
•Advanced training in the conservation of paper-based collections as evidenced by a master’s degree in conservation with specialization in paper conservation, or equivalent training through advanced courses, apprenticeships, and internships.
•A minimum of eight years of professional experience in paper conservation.
•Demonstrated excellence performing a broad range of complex paper conservation treatments.
•In-depth knowledge of the history of paper and methods of papermaking, and the history of drawing, writing, printing, and printmaking materials and techniques.
•Working knowledge of chemistry and materials science, particularly the nature and causes of paper deterioration.
•Ability to write specifications, document treatments, and prepare reports.
•Supervisory experience required.
Additional Qualifications and Skills
•Demonstrated commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Belonging and Anti-Racism.
•Strong collaborative and organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals; plan, organize, and direct workflows in a production setting; and balance competing priorities.
•Strong interpersonal skills including the ability to train, supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff; encourage teamwork and staff development; and assess problems and develop solutions.
•Ability to initiate and adapt to change, to analyze and solve problems, and to be flexible and work collaboratively.
•Working knowledge of standard software applications, including Microsoft Office.
•Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, teaching, and training.
•Knowledge of and adherence to professional ethical practice in conservation.
•Demonstrated understanding of theoretical and technological changes in the profession, predicting and advocating for change through contributions to the professional literature, or serving on committees.
•Experience working in a research library setting preferred.
Physical Requirements
•Job requires up-close and accurate color vision, ability to handle sharp tools, to lift up to 30 lbs., and to escort materials from one building to another.
•Some tasks involve exposure to dust, mold, or solvents.
Working Conditions
•The position is based on onsite in Cambridge, MA. There may be the opportunity for a flexible or hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University remote work policies.
•The Weissman Preservation Center is an active conservation facility where treatment of diverse rare book, paper, and photograph collections from Harvard libraries is carried out. Survey and treatment work may occur at various library locations.
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-
The Harvard Library is a proud member of the Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) Diversity Alliance.
Job Function
Library
Sub Unit
————
Location
USA – MA – Cambridge
Department
Preservation Services
Time Status
Full-time
Union
00 – Non Union, Exempt or Temporary
Pre-Employment Screening
Criminal, Education, Identity
Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Harvard University views equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging as the pathway to achieving inclusive excellence and fostering a campus culture where everyone can thrive. We strive to create a community that draws upon the widest possible pool of talent to unify excellence and diversity while fully embracing individuals from varied backgrounds, cultures, races, identities, life experiences, perspectives, beliefs, and values.
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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