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.