Head of Conservation Services

Stanford University Libraries is seeking a full-time Head of Conservation Services to join the Preservation Department. The Libraries values are rooted in a commitment of mutual respect, the idea that every member of the staff has something to contribute, and that learning is constant. We seek a team member who is ready to share their skills and perspectives.

About Stanford Libraries:

Stanford University Libraries is a network of over 15 libraries with over 400 employees. We are committed to fueling the teaching, learning and research across Stanford by acquiring, stewarding, and making available a robust collection, currently in excess of 12 million items. Everyone in the organization plays a vital role in fulfilling that objective. Our dedication to discoverability and information management also has us engaged in dynamic global partnerships. We are constantly building and strengthening our organization, and we recognize striving for excellence is a marathon and not a sprint. We are constantly trying to strike the right pace, and admit there are times when we find ourselves at a fast jog. While we hope to always find candidates who fit within our organization, what we truly seek is someone who will add to our culture, our profession as well as the greater academic arena. We are invested in the success of our teams and the individuals who represent Stanford University Libraries.

About Stanford Libraries Preservation Department:

Stanford Libraries Preservation Department manages the long-term preservation of analog library collections. The department is dedicated to promoting a culture of preservation throughout Stanford Libraries. We support teaching and research by connecting library staff to our staff, our services, and our resources. We preserve library materials at every stage of the collection lifecycle through a robust program of preventive collection care, conservation services and preservation education. Through the complementary teamwork of two units, Collection Care and Conservation Services, the Preservation department stabilizes, repairs, houses, and prepares analog library collections for storage, use, digitization, and exhibition. As one of five departments in Technical and Access Services, Preservation works closely with units across the library organization to manage the thoughtful stewardship of library resources.

About the Position:

Reporting to the Associate Director for Preservation, the Head of Conservation Services manages a well-established and dynamic conservation program for special collections materials focused on the care of books, archival collections, maps, posters, photographs, and objects. You will plan and direct the daily activities of the unit and lead a collaborative team of conservators and conservation technicians responsible for conservation treatment, custom housing, and exhibition loans. As the Head of Conservation Services you will be an integral member of the Preservation Department management team, working closely with the Associate Director for Preservation and the Preservation Librarian to cultivate a respectful, supportive and inclusive workplace and develop appropriate and sustainable workflows that meet department, Library, and University strategic priorities. You will be the primary liaison between the Conservation Services unit and stakeholders across the organization requiring excellent interpersonal and communication skills to support successful collaboration with curators, librarians, archivists, subject specialists, and technical experts in a complex organization. Our ideal candidate understands the holistic intersection between conservation and the various functions of an academic research library from acquisition to use to storage of collections. This position is based at the Stanford Redwood City campus with work on Stanford's Historic campus as needed.

Core Duties*:

Management

• Manage the daily operations of Conservation Services; supervise staff; coordinate conservation workflows; ensure quality and timeliness of conservation treatments; oversee health and safety practices.
• Lead Conservation Services staff including hiring, training, coaching and fostering a respectful, supportive, and inclusive work environment.
• Manage priorities for conservation treatment of library collections in alignment with Stanford Libraries Strategic Pathways and the Preservation department's strategic priorities.
• Supervise projects including in-house and outsourced conservation treatment projects, coordination with external conservation vendors, and conservation support for collaborative initiatives.
• Oversee conservation support for an active exhibit loan program to local, national, and international venues.
• Administer conservation treatment reports in a purpose built Filemaker Pro database and a publicly available online collection.
• Research, propose, and develop new Conservation Services workflows, policies, and procedures.
• Participate in unit and department planning as a member of the Preservation Department management team with the Associate Director for Preservation and the Preservation Librarian.

Conservation treatments, assessments, and documentation

• Assess conservation needs and advise on conservation options for new acquisitions, digitization projects, and grant-funded projects.
• Oversee collection quarantine services at Redwood City; serve on the Preservation Quarantine Team; assess collection items for mold, pests, and unknown substances; coordinate freezer, anoxic treatment and mold remediation workflows.
• Plan, research, and implement conservation treatments for special collections materials.
• Create written and photographic documentation for treatments, exhibition loans, and other activities.

Outreach and education

• Participate in Preservation department outreach and training activities and serve as the primary liaison between Conservation Services and stakeholders across the organization.
• Manage connection between Conservation Services operations in Redwood City and Stanford's Historic Campus.
• Represent Stanford Libraries in regional, national, and international professional activities.

Collection Emergency Response

• As a core member of the Collection Emergency Response team work closely with the Associate Director for Preservation, Preservation Librarian, and Library Facilities team to respond quickly and efficiently to collection emergencies at all Stanford Libraries locations.
• May direct collection emergency response activities.

* - Other duties may also be assigned

The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

First consideration given to applications received by May 18, 2026

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience:

• Master's degree or advanced certificate from a recognized conservation training program with demonstrated understanding of conservation in academic libraries or a combination of education and relevant experience.
• Five or more years of experience in an established conservation lab for a research library or other cultural heritage institution with evidence of capacity to work at a high level of responsibility for appointment at Librarian 3.

Desired Education and Experience:

• MLIS or MLS from an ALA-accredited program.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of conservation theory and practice and its application in a research library.
• Comprehensive understanding of the deterioration of library materials and the physical and chemical nature of one or more of the following formats: books, paper, photographs.
• In-depth knowledge of one or more of the following: history of the book and book structures, history of paper and papermaking, history of photography.
• Experience and demonstrated skill in staff supervision.
• Ability to manage projects, develop policies and drive library initiatives across functional lines.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, and strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Knowledge of and adherence to professional ethical practice in conservation.
• Evidence of participation and involvement in local, state, regional, national, or international conservation and/or preservation associations.

Other Relevant Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities May Include:

• Interest in current and emerging activities in material science and scientific research in conservation.
• Knowledge of photo-documentation techniques with digital cameras, imaging and editing software, and other technical equipment.
• Experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting an inclusive and respectful work environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks.
• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasps lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
• Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.
• - Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

Working Conditions:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

The expected pay range for this position is $124,864 to $145,000 per annum. Stanford University provides pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of the salary or hourly wage the university reasonably expects to pay for a positionupon hire. The pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal equity, geographic location, and external market pay for comparable jobs. At Stanford University, base pay represents only one aspect of the comprehensive rewards package.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 1783
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: I
• Requisition ID: 108513
• Work Arrangement : Hybrid Eligible