Preventive Conservation Librarian

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Preventive Conservation Librarian

Job Profile Title

Librarian B

Job Description Summary

About the Penn Libraries:
The Penn Libraries provides a network of information resources and knowledge services that are vital to teaching, research, and learning at the University of Pennsylvania. This network includes 19 physical libraries, recognized for their collections, and a digital library known for innovation and richness of content. Through dynamic programming and exhibitions, and through the acquisition and preservation of literary and artistic artifacts, the Penn Libraries documents a wealth of social and historical periods, bringing scholarship to life at the University and in the various communities it serves.

Summary:
Reporting to the Margy E. Meyerson Head of Conservation, the Preventive Conservation Librarian (2 year appointment) works collaboratively to take primary responsibility for preventive and interventive treatment activities across the library system to assess and address the needs of Penn Libraries’ distinctive and actively circulating collections. Working closely with supervisor, other members of the Steven Miller Conservation Laboratory, and the MacDonald Director of Preservation, the Preventive Conservation Librarian will:

- Conduct a variety of treatments (some routine, many intermediate, occasionally complex) on circulating, medium-rare, and distinctive materials from Penn Libraries and University Archives physical collections
- Implement workflows to assess and select items for rebinding, reformatting, rehousing, and/or remediation by external vendors
- Support outreach and training and serve as a key resource for Library staff seeking guidance on circulating collections care topics
- Support and participate in preventive conservation activities like collection assessments and surveys, environmental monitoring, and disaster preparedness

**Job Description**:
**Responsibilities**:

- Conservation treatment on a wide range of circulating and distinctive collections library materials.
- Implement workflows and policies for assessment, selection, and preventive care circulating and distinctive collections
- Support training and outreach to serve as a key resource for Library staff seeking guidance on circulating collections care topics
- Support preventive activities like collection assessments and surveys, environmental monitoring, and disaster preparedness
- Assist with directing the task-related work of technicians, interns, student workers, and/or other departmental colleagues.
- Assist with lab maintenance and administrative procedures
- Perform additional duties as assigned
- Qualifications
- Required Expertise_
- Master’s degree (M.A/M.S/MLIS) from an accredited graduate training program in conservation and a minimum of 2 years of post-graduate, professional experience in conservation laboratory, preferably in a research library, or similar institution; or equivalent combination of education and experience, are required.
- Demonstrated experience treating and housing a wide range of materials from print collections as demonstrated by a portfolio.
- Demonstrated success with collections conservation treatment procedures and a high degree of manual dexterity, analytic and observational skills, as demonstrated by a portfolio.
- Demonstrated thorough working knowledge of conservation theory and practice.
- Well-developed communication and research skills.
- Strong written and spoken communication skills.
- Ability to work collegially across a large, complex, and dynamic organizational