Month: December 2014

Illinois State University’s Milner Library is seeking applicants for the position of Conservator and Preservation Specialist. This position performs and supervises conservation treatments for a variety of library materials including rare books, special collections and archives, and also provides conservation and preservation expertise for the library and campus. For more information or to apply, please visit the ISU jobs site:
 
www.jobs.ilstu.edu/applicants/Central?quickFind=67055

Engen Conservation Fellowship

Objects Conservation at the Smithsonian, National Air and Space Museum 

Fellowship appointments are for 1 year, with a 1 year potential renewal.  They commence in the fall and include a $37,000 stipend, with additional funds for relocation, research related expenses, conference registration and travel in addition to 3,000 for medical insurance. The fellowships will take place at the Emil Buehler Conservation Laboratory in the Udvar Hazy Center in Chantilly VA.
Start / end dates: October 1, 2015- September 30, 2016.
Funded amount: $ 37,000.00
Deadline for application: March 1, 2015
*There is limited public transportation to the Udvar Hazy Center- a car is most ideal for this position.
Fellowship Description
The National Air and Space Museum holds over 60,000 artifacts representing three centuries of aerospace history from 18^th century ballooning to current spacecraft. While NASM is best known for the collection of rare and historically significant aircraft and spacecraft, these artifacts represent less than one percent of the entire collection.  The collection also includes 5000 works of art, spacesuits, engines, textiles, toys and much more.  The fellowship will introduce the candidate to a wide range of composite objects, metals, organic materials and painted surfaces.
The fellow’s independent research will be derived from the diverse collection materials.  Fellows will be encouraged to publish or present their research at the end of their tenure.  Access to other Smithsonian conservators, conservation scientists and analytical capabilities at the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) will also be available.
The fellowship is intended to contribute to the education of recent graduates by allowing them to continue research into traditional historic objects and delve into the complexities of working with modern composite materials.
Candidate Qualifications
The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in conservation from a recognized program and be able to conduct research independently.  The candidate should have knowledge of ethical and professional principles and concepts related to the preservation of objects in a wide variety of media and knowledge of the theories, principles, techniques, practices, and methodologies used to examine, study, treat, and preserve historic objects.
Applicants should have a proven record of research, writing ability, and proficient English language skills (written and spoken). Finalists will be invited for an interview and asked to submit a portfolio.
Application materials required:

• A brief research proposal. The research proposal can be related to collection materials or an evaluation of a treatment process (no more than 2 pages, 12 point font).  Please include a budget request for research related expenses, and conference registration. The maximum research allowance is $5,000.
• Curriculum vitae including basic biographical information with current and permanent addresses, telephone numbers, and email address.
• Unofficial transcripts of both undergraduate and graduate courses of academic study. Please send an explanation of the evaluation system if your transcript is from outside the United States.
• Two references from conservation professionals familiar with the candidate’s work.
• A writing sample such as a condition report, or examples of published work.

Fellowships are awarded without regard to age, sex, race, or nationality of the applicant.
Applications are submitted through the Smithsonian Online Academic Appointment System (SOLAA) https://solaa.si.edu/solaa/SOLAAHome.html. Select the “Engen Conservation Fellowship” listed under the National Air and Space Museum to submit your application materials.
For questions about this opportunity please contact Malcolm Collum, Chief Conservator at CollumM@si.edu.
We are excited about the opportunity to provide a fellowship experience and look forward to receiving your application materials.

Dear Colleagues,
Princeton University Library is seeking an experienced rare books conservator to join our Preservation Department and help shape the direction of its conservation program.  Many of you are already familiar with the breadth and depth of our collections which include printed books and manuscripts from across a wide spectrum of traditions and time periods. The conservator working with these collections will find many rewards.
Treatment is the primary focus of the position. However, it’s also important to us that the post holder is involved with the field as a whole, is thoughtful about the forces shaping it, and its future direction. We seek someone who is interested in engaging these questions on a local level to help ensure that the Preservation Office is responding to the needs of the Library, Princeton University, and the current field at large.
The Rare Books Conservator reports to the Head, Library Preservation.  The complete position description may be found at the “Jobs at Princeton” website: http://www.princeton.edu/jobs . The requisition number is: 1400414.
Inquiries are most welcome. Nominations are also gratefully accepted.  Applications will only be accepted at “Jobs at Princeton” and the position will remain open until filled.
Sincerely,
Maria
Maria Grandinette
Head, Library Preservation
Princeton University Library
1 Washington Road
Princeton, New Jersey  08544
609-258-5946
Mg17@princeton.edu

Application Period Opens for 2015 National Digital Stewardship Residency Program
Washington, DC—The Library of Congress and the Institute of Museum and Library Services announce the official open call for applications for the 2015 National Digital Stewardship Residency, to be held in the Washington, D.C. area.  Applications opened Dec. 17 and will close on January 30, 2015.  To apply, go to the official USAJobs link at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/389615400.
For the 2015-16 class, five residents will be chosen for a 12-month residency at a prominent institution in the Washington, D.C. area.  The residency will begin in June, 2015, with an intensive week-long digital stewardship workshop at the Library of Congress. Thereafter, each resident will move to his or her designated host institution to work on a significant digital stewardship project. These projects will allow them to acquire hands-on knowledge and skills involving the collection, selection, management, long-term preservation, and accessibility of digital assets.
The five institutions, and the projects they will offer to NDSR residents, are:

• The District of Columbia Public Library: Personal Digital Preservation Access and Education through the Public Library
• The Government Publishing Office:  Preparation for Audit and Certification of GPO’s FDsys as a Trustworthy Digital Repository
•   The American Institute of Architects: Building Curation into Records Creation: Developing a Digital Repository Program at the American Institute of Architects
•  The U.S. Senate Historical Office: Improving Digital Stewardship in the U.S. Senate
•  The National Library of Medicine: NLM-Developed Software as Cultural Heritage

The inaugural class of the NDSR was held in Washington, D.C. in 2013-14.  Host institutions for that class included Association of Research Libraries, the Dumbarton Oaks Research Library, the Folger Shakespeare Library, the Library of Congress, the University of Maryland, the National Library of Medicine, the National Security Archive, the Public Broadcasting Service, the Smithsonian Institution Archives and the World Bank.
“We are excited to be collaborating with such dynamic host institutions for the second NDSR residency class in Washington, D.C.,” said Library of Congress Supervisory Program Specialist George Coulborne. “ In collaboration with the hosts, we look forward to developing the most engaging experience possible for our residents.  Last year’s residents all found employment in fields related to digital stewardship or went on to pursue higher degrees.  We hope to replicate that outcome with this class of residents, as well as build bridges between the host institutions and the Library of Congress to advance digital stewardship.”
“At IMLS we are delighted to continue our work on and funding support for the second round of the NDSR,” said Maura Marx, IMLS Deputy Director for Library Services. “We welcome the new hosts and look forward to welcoming the new residents to all the opportunities this program presents.”
To qualify, applicants must have a master’s degree or higher academic credential, graduating between spring 2013 and spring 2015, with a strong interest in digital stewardship.  Currently enrolled doctoral students also are encouraged to apply.  Applicants must submit a detailed resume and cover letter, their undergraduate and graduate transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a creative video that explains an applicant’s interest in the program. Visit the NDSR application website at  digitalpreservation.gov/ndsr/applicationinfo.html for more information.
The residents chosen for NDSR 2015 will be announced by early April 2015. For additional information and updates regarding the National Digital Stewardship Residency, please see the program website atdigitalpreservation.gov/ndsr.
The Office of Strategic Initiatives, part of the Library of Congress, oversees the NDSR for the Library and directs the overall digital strategic planning for the Library and the national program for long-term preservation of digital cultural assets, leading a collaborative institution-wide effort to develop consolidated digital future plans, and integrating the delivery of information technology services.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 123,000 libraries and 35,000 museums. Our mission is to inspire libraries and museums to advance innovation, lifelong learning, and cultural and civic engagement. Our grant making, policy development, and research help libraries and museums deliver valuable services that make it possible for communities and individuals to thrive. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress is the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution. It seeks to spark imagination and creativity and to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its magnificent collections, programs and exhibitions. Many of the Library’s rich resources can be accessed through its website at www.loc.gov.

Conservators – Earthquake Recovery
(Two positions, 1 year fixed term)
Canterbury Museum, Christchurch, New Zealand

Applications are invited from suitably qualified conservators for two fixed term positions as Earthquake Recovery Collections Conservators, funded by our insurers.
Applicants should have proven experience of working with a wide range of materials both organic and inorganic to include ethnology and social history, and a range of natural history objects including geology, insects and bones. Experience in using collections management databases and ability to account for use of time to meet insurance company needs are also required.
Applicants must have, or be eligible for, a New Zealand work visa.
To find out more about these positions and the method of application please visit the vacancies page on our website www.canterburymuseum.com
Applications not following the method set out will not be accepted.
Applications close at 5:00 pm on 18 January 2015.