Book and Paper Conservator

LAC Federal is seeking a Conservator to work onsite at a federal library in the Bethesda, MD area. The Conservator will work under the direction of a senior conservator to repair and stabilize paper collections including books, pamphlets, broadsides, and manuscripts The Conservator will work in accordance with methods and materials recommended by the American Institute for Conservation.

• Design and construct protective enclosures using appropriate materials and structures.
• Write accurate condition and treatment reports including digital photo documentation for bound and flat paper objects using an in-house, online database.
• Lead or participate in staff training and demonstration sessions for staff and visitors as needed
• Provide photography services for specific projects and digital initiatives.
• Perform preservation assessments of collections including surveys
• Carry out regular maintenance of the collection, such as cleaning shelves and objects and applying property stamps and bookplates to volumes.
• Identify lab supplies and tools needed and assist with order preparation.
• Assist with staff training in disaster salvage, recovery and mold remediation of collections as needed
• Assist with packing objects for shipment offsite for exhibition or digital scanning and inspecting the objects after their return
• Recommending appropriate technician-level tasks, such as construction of enclosures, for assignment to conservation technicians.
• Maintain the equipment in the conservation lab
• Assist in the salvage and recovery of affected collections after an emergency

Requirements

• Masters or bachelor's degree in library science, museum studies, or a related field and have at least five years of experience in book and manuscript repair.
• Training and experience in disaster salvage, response, and recovery with demonstrated knowledge of mold identification and remediation and the use of personal protective equipment,
• Demonstrate subject knowledge and experience using a variety of complex conservation treatments including but not limited to solvents treatments, stain reduction, adhesive removal, loss compensation, mending tears and voids, and flattening of paper collections.
• Experience doing re-backs, board, and case repairs to leather, cloth and paper items, and experience creating storage enclosures In a variety of formats.
• Able and willing to work independently under tight deadlines making sound decisions concerning conservation treatments
• Good written and oral communication skills and work well with others in a collegial atmosphere.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Quick to learn
• Great communicator
• Eager to learn
• Attention to detail