Book and Paper Conservator

Business Title
Book and Paper Conservator

Applications Accepted From
University Wide, Public: Open to the Public

Special Instructions to Applicants
To apply, please complete and submit the online application and be prepared to attach 3 separate documents. A complete application contains a CV or resume, cover letter addressing your interest and qualifications for all the position requirements and any of the position preferences, and a list of three professional references including email, phone contact information, and the nature of the relationship.

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. For full consideration, please apply by 11:59 p.m. EST on July 9, 2026.

Applicants selected for interview will be asked to share portfolio of their conservation work.

This position is eligible for the following benefits
sick leave, vacation, holidays paid, winter break closure, and retirement.

Posting Number: 2016402T

Department Summary

The Ohio University Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Book and Paper Conservator.

The Book and Paper Conservator will be joining a team that includes colleagues in the Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections, Preservation, and Digital Initiatives. The Robert E. and Jean R. Mahn Center for Archives and Special Collections is the principal repository for rare books, manuscript collections, the Documentary Photography Archive, and the Ohio University Archives. The department's mission is to support the education, research, and creative endeavors of the Ohio University community through engagement with rare and primary resource materials.

The responsibilities of the Conservator include intermediate to advanced special collections/medium rare materials conservation treatment, exhibition preparation, digitization preparation, special conservation projects, photographic documentation, and outreach. This is a half-time position.

Specifically, the Book and Paper Conservator will:

• Perform intermediate to advanced conservation treatments on special collection and medium rare items from the collections of OHIO Libraries. Stay abreast of current techniques through external conservation resources and state-wide collegues. Author treatment reports for archives and special collections materials.
• Evaluate medium rare and special collections materials and determine the proper treatment based on established conservation, departmental standards, and research on the history and materiality of the object.
• Conduct photographic documentation for treated materials that warrant photographs, based on industry and departmental standards. Collaborate with Digtial Initiatives when specialized imaging, including Ultraviolet Fluorescence, Near Infrared, and/or Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) is appropriate.
• Train and mentor other staff members on conservation repairs, treatments, and techniques, as well as storage and housing methods and historical book structures.
• Provide outreach, in a team environment with department staff, with emphasis on preservation, photographic documentation, and book studies.
• Support disaster recovery efforts for the Libraries.
• Partner with the Digital Initiatives on strategies for preservation handling during digitization projects. Coordinate post-digitization housing.
• Coordinate and execute exhibit preparation activities, including conservation treatment, condition reports, custom enclosures, custom cradles, custom matting, and labelling.
• Contribute to the Lab's social media presence, including the Archives and Libraries' blogs, and various other platforms.
• Coordinate and execute special conservation/preservation projects including, but not limited to, rehousing, environmental monitoring and analysis, storage planning, etc.
• May oversee the general, circulating collections workflow, including evaluating, training, quality control, and completing more complex repairs that are beyond student staff skillsets.
• Manage supply orders for the department.
• This position requires manual dexterity, close visual examination, and attention to detail.
• Provide outreach and collaboration with the University community.

Position Profile

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: Provides specialized expertise through collection management, research support, and instruction within a disciplinary area of information management. Provides outreach and collaboration with the University community.

Level Summary

Provides professional expertise to the University community. Serves as a resource and guide to others in the department and/or university. Completes operational tasks essential for the daily functioning of the University. Additionally, contributes to larger projects or initiatives that align with department or University goals, often collaborating across teams.

Physical Requirements

• This role is primarily desk-based and involves extensive use of desktop computers. Occasionally, the job may require travel to attend meetings and programs.
• May be required to regularly lift up to 50 pounds.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a Master's degree accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent national or international body and 1 or more years of related professional experience, or equivalent education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in Conservation. Experience performing conservation treatment on rare and special collections in an academic library setting.
• Demonstrated success working independently and in a team environment.
• Demonstrated interest in communicating the role of conservation in the overall preservation and access of cultural heritage collections through outreach and professional development.