New York University Libraries is seeking a Conservation Librarian, a tenure-track faculty position that supervises the library and archives conservation program for NYU Libraries Special Collections and supports the administration of the general collection care program. As a member of the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation & Conservation Department, this position reports to the Director of Preservation & Conservation and operates in close coordination with the staff of Special Collections, Knowledge Access and Resource Management Services (KARMS), Digital Library Technology Services (DLTS), and Collections and Content Services (CCS). This individual will collaborate with their colleagues in the Media Preservation and Preventive Conservation Units to promote the long-term preservation of NYU Libraries' collections and to support the research and scholarship of the NYU community and others. The Conservation Librarian manages the day-to-day operations of the Barbara Goldsmith Book and Paper Laboratory located in Bobst Library. They directly supervise the Special Collections Conservator and the Senior Special Collections Conservator, Fellows, project conservators, and student employees. The Conservation Librarian indirectly supervises the Commercial Binding Specialist, who reports to the Senior Special Collections Conservator. The Conservation Librarian collaborates closely with curators, collection managers, and archivists to select appropriate conservation actions for collections materials. They will develop, carry out, and supervise conservation actions on a wide range of materials, including books, archival documents, works of art on paper, photographic materials, and a wide variety of ephemera and composite objects. They will uphold the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice in their work. They will collaborate with colleagues in the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation & Conservation Department to further our understanding of cultural heritage materials through various means, including examination, written and photographic documentation, materials testing and analysis, data collection and evaluation, and historical research.

The Conservation Librarian participates in library-wide committees, activities, and special projects, especially those involving collections storage, transport, and exhibition; construction and/or renovation of collections spaces; and emergency preparedness, response, and recovery. They will be responsible for purchasing supplies and equipment for the conservation operations. The Conservation Librarian project-manages all contracted conservation treatment work. The Conservation Librarian will attend professional meetings, workshops, and conferences for training and continuing professional development to remain current in their knowledge and maintain active membership in conservation professional organizations.

The start date for the Conservation Librarian position is October 3, 2022.

Research

Tenure-track Faculty Librarians explore their own active research agenda, contributing their expertise, experiences, and investigations to build new knowledge in their chosen areas. The Conservation Librarian will be well-positioned to make substantive contributions to research in several areas, including, but not limited to, technical explorations of library and archival materials conservation theory and practice in a research library, the application of value-based decision making in library and archives, and the latent bias in existing conservation theory and practice.

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum one graduate degree (master’s level or higher) in conservation. A second graduate degree in library science is required for tenure.  
• Experience in the examination, documentation (both visual and written), and treatment of a broad range of library and archival materials.  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Demonstrated ability or interest in lab supervision, project management, conducting consultations, fundraising, and outreach to a wide range of community members.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment and knowledge of local and federal health and safety regulations.
• A high degree of manual dexterity, analytical, observational, and research skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusion, diversity, belonging, equity, and accessibility.

Preferred

• Experience with multi-band imaging techniques
• Experience with technical examination tools and techniques, including but not limited to microscopy, microchemical spot testing, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
• Experience or interest in working collaboratively with living artists’ archives, including conducting artist interviews.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and using social media for outreach.
• Experience with grant writing and management.
• Experience or interest in preparing library and archival materials for exhibition and loan.
• Interest or experience in organizing and leading workshops.

About NYU Libraries

The Division of Libraries values diversity among its faculty, is committed to building a culturally diverse intellectual community, and strongly encourages applications from members of underrepresented communities. We are proud of our organizational culture and are committed to building and sustaining a diverse, inclusive, and equitable organization that supports a sense of belonging for the staff and communities we serve. For more information regarding the Libraries’ commitment to IDBE, see the Libraries’ Mission & Values Statement, our Diversity and Inclusion Values Statement, and our Commitment to Anti-Racism.

Salary/Benefits: Faculty status, attractive benefits package including five weeks annual vacation. Salary commensurate with experience and background. Faculty at NYU, including in the Division of Libraries, have always enjoyed relative flexibility in their work, allowing for remote work as appropriate.

Application Instructions

We would love to hear from you! To ensure consideration, submit your CV and letter of application, including the contact information of three professional references to http://apply.interfolio.com/103978 NYU Division of Libraries requires all candidates for this position to supply a statement demonstrating their dedication to inclusion, diversity, equity, and belonging as part of their application. Access the Diversity Statement prompt here https://nyu.box.com/v/diversity-statement Applications will be considered until the position is filled. Preference will be given to applications received by May 25, 2022

EOE/AA/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

Apply online here