Call for Chapter Proposals: Disaster Management and Contingency Planning in Modern Libraries

CALL FOR CHAPTER PROPOSALS

Proposal Submission Deadline: May 30, 2014

Disaster Management and Contingency Planning in Modern Libraries

A book edited by

Emy Nelson Decker (AUC-Robert W. Woodruff Library)

Jennifer Townes (AUC-Robert W. Woodruff Library)

To be published by IGI Global: http://bit.ly/1fOOCfT

For release in Advances in Library and Information Science Book series

ISSN: 2326-4136

The Advances in Library and Information Science Book Series aims to expand the body of library science literature by covering a wide range of topics affecting the profession and field at large. The series also seeks to provide readers with an essential resource for uncovering the latest research in library and information science management, development, and technologies
Introduction
Library and archives disaster planning and contingency management go by many names: emergency planning, risk assessment, business continuity, etc. Awareness has increased over the past fifteen years, and now disaster planning is an ever-growing presence in modern consciousness. Any type of contingency planning for libraries is important because we are building more and more evidence that preparedness is possible, even if prevention is not. In general, anything involving extensive damage to the collections falls into the “disaster” category. However, it is important to draw a distinction between small-scale disasters, such as a burst pipe, and large-scale disasters, such as a category 5 hurricane. A naturally occurring disaster is an act of nature (tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes), as opposed to an anthropogenic disaster, which is caused or produced by humans (war, censorship, arson). The myriad ways in which we define disaster indicate our inability to predict them, and therefore we will never be able to prevent them. What we can do is prepare the one variable we do have control over: ourselves. By exploring disasters of different scale and devastation, we can begin to develop more complete and efficient disaster plans for our cultural institutions.
The literature about disaster planning has not given close examination to the different types of disasters to befall libraries, thus this book is based on emerging research and events exemplified by case studies. Contributions to this edited volume will explore libraries impacted by disasters of different scales, ranging from small to catastrophic and disasters of different types, from naturally occurring to anthropogenic.
Objective of the Book
This compendium of emerging research about disaster mitigation and contingency planning will better inform disaster planning at the design level. Additionally, this book will serve as a resource for those who have already experienced disaster and the ideas put forth will potentially spur positive change in organizational culture. This book will investigate the impact of large and small scale disasters — both anthropogenic and natural in origin — on libraries. Readers will learn from the experiences of others, expand their definition of disaster, and create or redesign their own disaster plans.
Target Audience
Our publication will benefit librarians, library staff, archivists, curators, students, local/state/national disaster preparedness professionals, private collectors, and corporations which store/archive collections.
Recommended topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
Contributors are welcome to submit chapters on the following topics relating to library disaster management and contingency planning:

  • Disaster management and contingency planning in libraries
  • Changes to disaster planning and recovery post-2000
  • Library safety measures
  • Changes to library materials conservation and restoration post-2000
  • Emerging disaster management theory
  • Emerging contingency planning theory
  • Lessons learned from small scale disasters (broken pipes, fires, vandalism, storms, etc.)
  • Lessons learned from large scale disasters (September 11th, Hurricanes Katrina and Sandy, the Indonesian tsunami, Typhoon Haiyan, the Haitian earthquake, etc.)
  • Social implications of disaster preparedness and management
  • Public, academic, and private libraries and archives experiences with disaster of any scale
  • Naturally occurring disasters
  • Anthropogenic disasters
  • Challenges/crises not commonly included in disaster plans
  • Financial disaster planning (recession, staff cuts, effect on digital projects, etc.)
  • Electronic backup failure (loss of backup servers, born-digital data, electrical surges, etc.)

Submission Procedure
Researchers and practitioners are invited to submit on or before May 30, 2014, a 2-3 page chapter proposal clearly explaining the mission and concerns of his or her proposed chapter. Authors of accepted proposals will be notified by July 30, 2014 about the status of their proposals and sent chapter guidelines. Full chapters are expected to be submitted by September 30, 2014. All submitted chapters will be reviewed on a double-blind review basis. Contributors may also be requested to serve as reviewers for this project. Proposals should be submitted through the link at the bottom of this page.
Publisher
This book is scheduled to be published by IGI Global (formerly Idea Group Inc.), publisher of the “Information Science Reference” (formerly Idea Group Reference), “Medical Information Science Reference,” “Business Science Reference,” and “Engineering Science Reference” imprints. For additional information regarding the publisher, please visit www.igi-global.com. This book is anticipated to be released in 2015.
Important Dates
May 30, 2014:                                    Proposal Submission Deadline
July 30, 2014:                                     Notification of Acceptance
September 30, 2014:                    Full Chapter Submission
November 30, 2014:                     Review Results Returned
February 15, 2015:                          Final Chapter Submission
 
Inquiries can be forwarded to

Emy Nelson Decker and Jennifer Townes

Atlanta University Center – Robert W. Woodruff Library

111 James P. Brawley Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30314

Tel.: (404) 978-2087, (404) 978-2053

E-mail: edecker@auctr.edu, jtownes@auctr.edu

Propose a chapter here
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Senior Project Specialist (Built/20th-century Heritage), Getty Conservation Institute

The Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), located at the Getty Center in Los Angeles, California, works internationally to advance conservation practice in the visual arts—broadly interpreted to include objects, collections, architecture, and sites. The Institute serves the conservation community through scientific research, education and training, model field projects, and the dissemination of the results of both its own work and the work of others in the field.
The GCI Field Projects Department is seeking a Senior Project Specialist (Built/20th-century Heritage).
The Field Projects Department’s objectives are:

  • Advance conservation practice through the development and implementation of model projects which incorporate strong research, planning and educational objectives.
  • In all projects, develop strong collaborative relationships so as to build local expertise, ensure sustainability, evaluate work in progress and broadly disseminate information resulting from projects.
  • Disseminate our findings through professional publications and conferences; and contribute to the advancement of the field of conservation through the organization of seminars, symposia and workshops.

 
Overview: Explores, develops and manages potential projects that address thematic areas in the context of conservation of twentieth-century heritage and specifically modern architecture. This includes designing, implementing and monitoring projects that apply and test new research and practical approaches. Demonstrates a broad knowledge of the issues and best practices associated with the conservation and management of historic buildings and sites, specifically twentieth-century heritage. Provides advice and guidance about these issues to staff from other departments of the GCI.
Responsibilities:  Conducts needs assessments, identifies strategic issues, develops, interprets, communicates and executes project plans and budgets to meet international needs. Provides direction to project staff, external partners and consultants related to built and urban heritage. Undertakes research, teaches, writes, publishes or presents results at professional venues.
Qualifications: 7-10 years combined practical and management experience in the areas of either architecture and historic building technologies, urban planning and preservation. Master’s degree or equivalent graduate education in architecture or architectural conservation. Knowledge and demonstrated engagement in conserving twentieth-century heritage also required. Must be adaptable, analytical, a positive problem-solver and a creative thinker. Skill and experience in designing, initiating and managing projects with multi-disciplinary teams is essential. Experience in working in broad contexts including the international sphere an advantage. Knowledge of the international organizations working in the fields of twentieth-century heritage needed. Excellent oral and written communication skills are also necessary. Must be available for frequent international travel. An ability to read, write and speak a foreign language is preferred.
An excellent benefits package and salary commensurate with experience will be provided. International candidates welcome. EOE
To apply, please see:  https://jobs-getty.icims.com/jobs/2206/job.  All applicants should be prepared to upload a cover letter and curriculum vitae as a single file (either a PDF or a Word document) when prompted to upload a Resume online. Candidates who successfully complete the online application process will receive an automated message from “autoreply@icims.com”.  If you have specific questions about the Senior Project Specialist (Built/20th-century Heritage) position, please email gcistaffing@getty.edu. Deadline for applications is May 9, 2014.
Updated: March 31, 2014

Architectural and Sculpture Conservator, Kreilick Conservation, LLC

Architectural and Sculpture Conservator

Kreilick Conservation, LLC, is a private firm specializing in the conservation of architecture,
sculpture, monuments, industrial artifacts, and objects.  We are seeking a qualified candidate with
3-5 years of experience to fill one full time position with our Philadelphia-area based firm.
Responsibilities may include conducting condition assessments, research, field investigation and
testing, treatment design and implementation, and report writing, as well as project management.
Qualifications for this position include a Master of Science degree in Historic Preservation from
an accredited graduate program.  Strong analytical skills, flexibility and resourcefulness are
necessary, as is proficiency in standard software including Microsoft Office Suite. Strong graphic
skills also preferred, including proficiency in design software such as Adobe Photoshop, Sketchup
and AutoCAD, or equivalent. Ability to work at heights (i.e. scaffolding and high-reach) is
required. The Conservator is expected to work independently and as a team member; and must display
both excellent hand skills and strong communication skills.  Travel is required.
Kreilick Conservation, LLC offers a salary/benefits package commensurate with experience and
skill level.  Kreilick Conservation, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three professional references to:
T. Scott Kreilick
Kreilick Conservation, LLC
519 Toll Road
Oreland, PA  19075
skreilick@kreilickconservation.com

Conservator, The Strong

Position Announcement
Conservator at The Strong
The Strong seeks an experienced and energetic professional to direct the conservation of The Strong’s varied collections including a comprehensive array of toys, board games, dollhouse miniatures, and arcade video games and to supervise four staff members.
The successful candidate must have superior oral and written communication skills, experience in and enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a team-based environment, capacity for strategic thinking and planning, and ability both to delegate and to lead by example.
Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in conservation.
  • Significant experience in relevant artifact conservation, including digital.
  • Demonstrated skills in project management and supervision.
  • Knowledge of key issues and standards in lighting and environmental conditions and experience with their application in artifact storage and exhibition.
  • Commitment to quality guest service.

The Strong is the only collections-based museum anywhere devoted solely to the study of play and its critical role in learning and human development.  It holds the world’s most comprehensive collection of toys, dolls, board games, electronic games, and other artifacts of play; a library of almost 150,000 volumes; and a growing collection of related, national significant personal, corporate, and other archival materials.  The Strong’s collections, 285,000 square-foot facility, and nearly 600,000 annual visitors place it among the largest history museums in the nation.
The Strong requires all applicants to complete an online application to be considered for employment: www.thestrong.org and click on Employment at the bottom of the homepage. Candidates without access to Internet Explorer may apply with their credentials to: jobs@museumofplay.org.

Executive Director, Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA)

The Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA), a nonprofit conservation center established in 1977 and located in center city Philadelphia, PA, seeks a chief executive officer to lead CCAHA and provide for its continued growth and success through the management of all operations, maintaining the highest levels of productivity, integrity, and quality. CCAHA has a professional staff of 33, an annual operating budget of $3 million, and undertakes documentation and conservation treatment of works of art on paper, photographs, documents, and books. CCAHA addresses pressing preservation challenges facing museums, libraries, archives, artists, and collectors through innovative educational programming, on-site consultations, scholarship, and public advocacy. CCAHA has a national reputation for excellence in the field of cultural heritage preservation.
The Executive Director for CCAHA leads in the development, implementation, and oversight of CCAHA’s vision and mission.  Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will have a passion for conservation, an entrepreneurial spirit, excellent communication skills, and the ability to inspire loyalty, trust, and respect in his/her colleagues and professional associates.
Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree and at least seven years of increasing responsibility in managing a department or division within a nonprofit cultural institution. The experience must include the supervision of staff, financial management, successful fundraising, grants management, and strategic planning.
CCAHA has a generous benefits package, and a competitive salary will be offered to the successful candidate.
Candidates should send a letter of interest discussing their qualifications, a résumé, and the names, addresses, and contact information for three references to:

Search@CCAHA.org

Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts

264 South 23rd Street

                                                                          Philadelphia, PA 19103

The Application Deadline is April 15, 2014.  For more information, visit CCAHA’s website at www.ccaha.org.

Director of Conservation, Glenstone

Position Posting

Position:

Director of Conservation

 

Reports to:

Founder and Chief Administrative Officer

 

Key Relationships:

Curatorial, Facilities

 

Background:
 
Located on 200 acres in Potomac, Maryland, Glenstone strives to provide visitors with a unique experience through the seamless integration of art, architecture, and landscape. Its first exhibition building was designed by late architect Charles Gwathmey and opened to the public in 2006. It hosts a series of rotating exhibitions with artworks drawn from Glenstone’s permanent collection of postwar art. The outdoor landscape is home to monumental sculptures carefully placed amidst rolling pasture and unspoiled woodland. Admission is always free, and visits are scheduled by appointment to encourage an unhurried, intimate engagement between the viewer and their surroundings.
 
Glenstone is now embarking upon an expansion in order to strengthen its commitment to the viewing public. The centerpiece of this project will be the construction of a new exhibition building designed by Thomas Phifer and Partners. The building will highlight a series of discreet pavilions, or “rooms” surrounding a central water courtyard, many of which will be devoted to single-artist installations. It will provide significantly expanded gallery space and state of the art collection storage. Landscape architects Peter Walker and Partners will also oversee a revised master plan of Glenstone’s outdoor landscape. Finally, the expansion will incorporate a new public entrance and visitor amenities, to support a more comfortable and rewarding visit.

 

 

Job Purpose:

The successful Director of Conservation candidate will bring a broad range of skills to the position in order to fully initiate an extensive conservation program for the museum.

 

Essential Duties:

The primary goal is to comprehensively address the conservation needs of Glenstone’s collection which is comprised of painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, installations, electronic media, and outdoor sculpture. Applicants should have a background in objects conservation and ideally some experience working with installation art and/or works with electronic media components. She/he will be responsible for all aspects of establishing a conservation program to include treatment, condition assessments, and documentation for works in the collection falling within their area of expertise as well as supervising contract conservators addressing other types of materials.  In addition, the Director of Conservation will play an active role in Glenstone’s ongoing exhibition and outgoing loan program, providing guidance and support as needed for stewardship and care of the collection.  A key responsibility will be facilitating dialog with artists, studio assistants, and/or artist estates regarding documentation of works in the collection.  Therefore applicants should possess direct experience and comfort in working with artists and a broad knowledge of modern and contemporary art.  Glenstone is committed to continuing professional development, and will enthusiastically encourage research on the collection to advance both conservation practice at Glenstone and to inform the conservation community at large, in addition to supporting attendance at professional meetings and conferences.  Glenstone has undertaken initial steps to construct and outfit a conservation studio onsite at the museum, therefore the successful applicant will participate in this process to provide specifications and define parameters for this dedicated work space.  Other responsibilities to include: routine maintenance of works on view, guidance regarding preventive conservation within museum facilities, establishment and supervision of a conservation internship/fellowship program, and direct collaboration and engagement with other museum staff (registrar, curatorial, visitor services, archives, facilities, etc.)

 

 

Qualifications:

A degree from a recognized conservation training program with a specialization in objects is required, along with knowledge of modern and contemporary art and a minimum of five years work history. Direct experience with and aptitude for working closely with living artists is essential. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary, as are strong organizational skills and the ability to collaborate creatively with other Glenstone colleagues across multiple museum departments. Candidates should have a demonstrated commitment to advance the field of conservation through dedicated research projects and dissemination of this work through presentations and publications.
   
Salary and Benefits: Glenstone offers competitive salary and a total compensation package that includes health care and a 401(k) matching program. Glenstone is an equal opportunity employer.
   
To Apply: Send a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and references to Laura Linton, Chief Administrative Officer at: hr@glenstone.org
   
Application Deadline: April 18, 2014
   
Date Posted: March 19, 2014

 

Paintings or Senior Paintings Conservator, Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC)

Midwest Art Conservation Center (MACC)
Paintings or Senior Paintings Conservator
The Midwest Art Conservation Center is seeking an experienced paintings conservator upon the retirement of one of our Senior Paintings Conservators. This is a full-time position with occasional travel. Applicants must have an advanced degree in art conservation with a specialization in paintings conservation or comparable training. A minimum of ten years post graduate experience is preferred. The position calls for treatments on paintings from all periods, including contemporary works and murals. The position title and responsibilities will be commensurate with experience. MACC provides excellent salaries along with outstanding benefits including medical, dental, 403b contributions, vacations, AIC membership, and professional development.
MACC is an independent, nonprofit, regional center providing comprehensive conservation services in Paintings, Objects, Paper and Textiles. The staff is collaborative, very collegial and works innovatively with the curatorial and collection professionals of hundreds of Midwest institutions including the largest art museums, historical societies, universities, libraries and archives, as well as small and mid-sized institutions with unique and varied collections. MACC laboratories are located within the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.
Please send your confidential curriculum vitae and references to:
Colin D. Turner
Executive Director
Midwest Art Conservation Center
2400 – 3rd Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55404
cturner@preserveart.org
612-870-3120

Preservation and Collection Management Librarian, Yale University

Preservation and Collection Management Librarian
Medical Library
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Rank:  Librarian 1-3
Part time – 20 hours/week
Requisition:  24375BR
www.yale.edu/jobs
 
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut.  Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.
Position Focus:
Reporting to the Yale University Librarian for Medical History and working with the University Library Preservation Department, the Preservation Librarian coordinates all preservation activities within the Historical Medical Collection and the general collections of the Medical Library, including objects housed in the Cushing Center. The Preservation Librarian develops and maintains preservation policies and procedures, and prioritizes preservation needs for the Historical Library. The Preservation Librarian also assists the Librarian for Medical History in the management of the Library’s collections.
Implements an in-house care program for the Historical collection. Designs and executes preservation assessments and surveys as needed, and performs minor preservation treatments. Coordinates conservation and preservation treatment for the materials by University Library Preservation Department staff and by outside vendors. Educates staff in preservation issues. Supervises student assistants.
Designs exhibitions for Medical Library and Cushing Center spaces including rotation of 3-4 major exhibits per year. Manages exhibit prep and loan activities. Carries out registrarial activities to maintain the collection, incoming and outgoing loans and ensures special care, security, and proper handling.
Assists Librarian for Medical History with digital initiatives, including selection and assessment for materials to be digitized. Serves as a resource for Medical Library digital projects and determines the suitability of individual materials for chosen digitization techniques.
Works with Physical Plant and Library Administration to maintain the environment of the locked stacks. Coordinates building environmental monitoring and provides interpretation and reports.
Assists in the coordination the Medical Library’s emergency response plan; monitors and maintains emergency equipment and supplies; trains staff in emergency response procedures; responds to emergencies as needed.
Leads and participates in outreach and instruction activities. Provides tours, orientations and lectures for Yale School of Medicine, Yale University and visitors to the collection. Review and manages the Adopt a Rare book program.
Serves on Library and University committees as appropriate. Engages in research and service to meet requirements for promotion and is active professionally. Monitors developments and best practices elsewhere to help ensure the excellence of Yale’s collections.
Required Education, Skills and Experience include:
1. Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library school. In selected instances, a post-graduate degree in a related discipline may be required or substituted for a master’s degree in library science.
2. Demonstrated record of designing projects and bringing them to a conclusion in a timely fashion.
3. Experience working collaboratively and independently with varied groups within a complex organization and rapidly changing, team environment.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of a wide range of preservation and conservation issues and current developments within the library, archival and preservation profession, including born digital preservation.
6. Demonstrated ability with working in a special collection environment, with some collection management experience.
Yale University assigns ranks to librarian positions based on a combination of professional experience and accomplishments (see range assigned to this description as noted in the posting position title). Librarian ranking information can be found at: http://www.library.yale.edu/about/departments/lhr/rank.html.
Preferred Education, Skills and Experience:
Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited library school, and two years preservation experience;  knowledge of at least one Western European language; supervisory experience; strong project management and interpersonal skills.
The University and the Library:
The Yale University Library, as one of the world’s leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and supports the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including around 12.8 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaging in numerous projects to expand access to its physical and digital collections. Housed in eighteen buildings including the Sterling Memorial Library, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library, and the Bass Library, it employs a dynamic and diverse staff of approximately five hundred who offer innovative and flexible services to library readers.  For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library’s web site at www.library.yale.edu.
The Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library
The Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library serves the Yale Schools of Medicine, Public Health, Nursing, and the Yale-New Haven Hospital as well as Yale College and the Yale Graduate School.  The Medical Library is a dynamic and busy place; library staff work together as a team to provide responsive and effective information support to the Medical Center’s missions of research, education, and patient care. Medical librarians provide individualized support through the Library’s active personal librarian program.  Electronic resources have grown to 13,051 ejournals, 31,125 ebooks and over 90 electronic databases.   In addition, digitized collections, clinical synthesis tools, and evidence-based practice resources bring information to our community at the library, on campus and remotely. For additional information, see: http://library.medicine.yale.edu/
Medical Historical Library
The Medical Historical Library is a department of the Cushing/Whitney Medical Library and holds one of the largest and finest medical history collections in the world. Its holdings include rare books, journals, pamphlets and ephemera, manuscripts form the 12th through 20th centuries, prints and drawings, photographs, and artifacts. After major environmental and preservation surveys, a systematic preservation program was begun in 2005. A well-equipped preservation workroom has been set up with the possibility of additional space for preservation activities.  For additional information, see: http://historical.medicine.yale.edu/.
Salary and Benefits:
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country’s great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.
How to apply:  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Applications, consisting of a cover letter and  resume should be submitted by applying online at http://www.yale.edu/jobs. The STARS req. ID for this position is 24375BR.
Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Associate Conservation Scientist, Yale University

Associate Conservation Scientist
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Requisition:  24121BR
www.yale.edu/jobs
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut.  Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.
Position Focus:
In its continuing effort to support the conservation of cultural property through scientific research and innovation, the Art Conservation Research Center (ACRC), a part of the Center for Conservation and Preservation at Yale’s West Campus, seeks a full-time scientist to perform research into the effects of light on museum, library, and archival materials. The research will primarily involve the use and further development of the micro-fading technique pioneered at the ACRC. The development would include evaluating the limitations of the technique and establishing protocols for its application to photographic print materials and manuscript inks. Other investigations would explore the chemistry of light-induced color changes and the dark chemistry of light-sensitive residues in photographic prints. These investigations could become collaborations with other scientists at Yale, other universities, and museum laboratories. In addition to this laboratory research, this position will utilize the micro-fading tester to provide diagnostic services, examining Yale collection objects for their vulnerability to light damage. This position reports to the Director of the Art Conservation Research Center.
Required Education, Skills and Experience:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in chemistry or related field and three years of laboratory research experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Proven ability to perform scientific research in experimental physical or analytical chemistry or a related field.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and ability to work with others.
  • Strong computer skills, with the ability to learn LabVIEW or other computer programming language for instrument control and data processing.

Preferred Education, Skills and Experience:

  • Ph.D. in physical or analytical chemistry; experience developing computer interfaces for data acquisition and control.
  • Experience performing scientific research on cultural property or natural history collection objects.
  • Working knowledge of art history, studio art practice, and routine art conservation practices.

Salary and Benefits:
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country’s great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.
How to apply:  Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Applications, consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references should be submitted by applying online at http://www.yale.edu/jobs. The STARS req. ID for this position is 24121BR.  Please be sure to reference #24121BR in your cover letter.

Yale University considers applicants for employment without regard to, and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s sex, race, color, religion, age, disability, status as a veteran, or national or ethnic origin; nor does Yale discriminate on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.

Director of the Artist Initiative, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art will undertake the Artist Initiative, a five-year, curatorially-driven, artist-centric, contemporary art collection research project serving all four collecting curatorial departments within the museum (Architecture & Design, Media Arts, Painting & Sculpture, and Photography). Funded by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, this initiative will be led by a new senior manager, the Director of the Artist Initiative, http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_news/releases/983. SFMOMA invites applications for this unique and rewarding role that will provide an exciting opportunity for the right individual to steer highly committed and expert museum staff in completing five research engagements involving artists, scholars, and other experts within the museum field.
SFMOMA is dedicated to making the art of our time a vital and meaningful part of public life. A period of expansion, transformation and growth is now well underway to enable the museum to realize its ambitions, of which the Artist Initiative is a key component. This director will oversee collaborations between artists and museum staff to explore issues of preservation, materials and presentation of works of art.
Successful candidates are likely to have more than ten years’ experience as a curator, a conservator or a museum educator. They must have demonstrated experience working with artists and excellent research skills. Successful candidates must have expertise in complex project management and superlative communication skills. It will be important for the director to build and enhance collaborative working relationships across the organization as well as with allied academic and university project participants. He/she will also play a formative role in activating new spaces in the expanded museum that have been designed to sustain these modes of collaborative collection research. The director will ensure that the initiative’s research results are shared generously via all of the museum’s content delivery streams, in gallery, online and in print. The director must have an affinity with SFMOMA’s mission and a real desire to support the overall aims of the museum through this role. A Manager of the Artist Initiative will assist the director in this work.
This is a term position, ending June 30, 2019.
Under the supervision of the Director of Collections and Conservation, the Director of the Artist Initiative is responsible for the development and management of all aspects of the five artist engagements of the Initiative, http://www.sfmoma.org/about/press/press_news/releases/983. In this capacity, he/she encourages SFMOMA’s work with artists and their estates through oversight of curatorially-driven, interdisciplinary, contemporary art collection research and dissemination of research results via SFMOMA’s content delivery platforms.
As a department head within the museum’s Collections Division, the Director will work with other division department heads (Library/Archives, Conservation, Registration and Collections Information and Access) to envision, implement and refine integrated, museum-wide programs of stewardship and research for contemporary art. In this capacity, the Director of the Artist Initiative will assume programmatic oversight for the museum’s Collections Center, encouraging and sustaining vital and meaningful study and learning opportunities with the SFMOMA collection at this venue while also upholding the policies and practices reflecting the highest standards of care.
ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Oversees all aspects of the Artist Initiative including: 1) facilitating the work of the five artist engagements; 2) supporting collaborative collection research at SFMOMA; 3) hosting scholarly colloquia with invited outside experts; and 4) ensuring the generous dissemination of research results via the museum’s content delivery platforms.
  • Envisions and implements dynamic collection programming possibilities at the Collections Center while working with Registration and Facilities & Operations to ensure safe use, handling, security and storage of the fine art collections.
  • Collaborates with the departments of Collections Information and Access, the Library/Archives, and Content Strategy and Digital Engagement to develop documentation and dissemination plans that contribute to the museum’s exhibition, education, community, and online programs. In this capacity, the Director will also work with the curators, and the departments of education, exhibitions, registration, installation, conservation, development marketing and finance.
  • Contributes actively in the development and improvement of integrated systems of collection information and knowledge to serve the museum’s mission.
  • Models highly collaborative modes of operating through fluid communication with staff and respect for the diverse expertise essential to an art museum.
  •  Develops and implements the Artist Initiative budget.
  • Manages critical and periodic evaluation of this program in order to improve and sustain it in perpetuity.
  • Serves as a liaison to museum and academic communities regarding inquiries into the Artist Initiative.
  • Acts as spokesperson for the Artist Initiative and the Museum as needed.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Training:  Post-graduate degree in Art History, Art Conservation or Education. PhD desired.
Work Experience:  10 years of related experience.
Skills and Abilities:  Knowledge of modern and contemporary art, art conservation and collection management. Superb writing, speaking and diplomatic skills essential. Demonstrated experience working with artists. Demonstrated ability to lead and facilitate collaborative working teams and complex projects.  Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.  Strong organizational skills a must: ability to prioritize and organize complex documentation and multiple activities, as well as coordinate the activities of staff members around a common project. Ability to communicate effectively with donors, artists, Museum staff, colleagues, museum board members, and the general public, whether in person, on the telephone, or in writing. Reading and writing proficiency in a language additional to English is desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
Physical Demands:  Must be able to visually inspect work.
Special Environmental Factors:  Close office setting.
Interested candidates should apply online at http://sfmoma.snaphire.com/?job=15879AIC .

NO PHONE CALLS, PLEASE!

The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art encourages people of color, residents of SOMA, and other San Francisco residents to apply.  The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.