Conservator for Special Collections, Cornell University Library
Conservator for Special Collections, Cornell University Library
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$ 66000 - 72000
1 Vacancy
Job Description
The Opportunity: Reporting to the Head Conservator the Conservator for Special Collections will determine and perform conservation assessment treatment and rehousing make care and storage recommendations and determine strategies for the preservation of the Librarys bound materials in special collections with the ability to work independently and with functional oversight of Conservation staff. In this role youll coordinate and manage treatment and preparation of bound materials prioritized for instruction digitization and exhibition by Rare and Manuscript Collections the Kheel Center for Labor Management Documentation & Archives and other Library special collections. You will collaborate with key stakeholders on a variety of projects including but not limited to treatment and housing projects exhibitions/loans digitization projects outreach and engagement. Youll have the opportunity to research new methods developments skills and needs for managing the preservation of bound special collections at the Library and to develop and deliver instruction and training in subject specialization and in new and emerging areas.
We are seeking candidates who recognize that the use and value of objects from different regions cultures and religions vary and who will be sensitive to these issues when determining treatment decisions and handling. You will identify where gaps in understanding of these differences may exist and youll help us bridge these gaps through engaging in activities such as readings discussion workshops and classes.
As a Research Teaching and Extension (RTE) faculty member the Conservator for Special Collections will engage in service scholarship and ongoing professional development to meet the requirements of promotion and reappointment at Cornell University Library.
Work Location: This position is located in Ithaca New York. You will typically work on the Ithaca campus 5 days per week with occasional remote work possible.
Candidate Profile:
Masters degree in conservation; or a masters degree in library science or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of conservation work experience in library archives museum and/or other institution.
Intermediate book conservation knowledge and experience including leather; intermediate knowledge of the materiality and technical history of library and archives collection materials; excellent understanding of conservation theory and practice.
Ability to work in variable working conditions including close attention to detail careful use of equipment and wearing protective gear when needed. Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time and lift heavy objects. Ability to pass workrelated safety training including respiratory protection and a fit test.
Creative and flexible problemsolving skills; excellent interpersonal skills.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to adapt to changing priorities; excellent time and workflow management.
Ability to consistently demonstrate effective collaboration teamwork and inclusive approaches to work; modeling values that support inclusion belonging and wellbeing.
Additionally we would prefer applicants who have:
Masters degree in library archives or book conservation
Advanced progression in independence complexity and mastery of conservation tasks.
Intellectual curiosity about conservation as a practice including strategies skills and collections management.
Conservation Lab staff have deep experience and knowledge of the preservation of a variety of collection formats utilize nationally accepted specialized materials and employ national best practices techniques and methods to preserve and protect the Librarys physical collections for todays scholars and future generations. Conservators and conservation associates treat bound materials paperbased collections photographic collections artifacts and some textiles to stabilize condition concerns and to maintain historical evidentiary aesthetic and research value.
Our Vision: Empowering Cornells research and learning community with deep expertise innovative services and outstanding collections strengthened by strategic partnerships.
Our Mission: Cornell University Library promotes a culture of broad inquiry and supports the Universitys mission to discover preserve and disseminate knowledge and creative expression. It engages with the ongoing transformations of society to deliver worldclass physical and digital content and services critical to research education and outreach now and in the future. The Library acts globally supporting Cornells land grant mission in New York State and beyond and builds partnerships within and outside the university. It invests in its staff collections and physical and virtual libraries. And it serves as a neutral and trusted party supporting information access and scholarly communication.
Cornell University Core Values: As a university founded to be a place where any person can find instruction in any study inclusion is at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming caring healthy and equitable community where students faculty and staff with different backgrounds perspectives abilities and experiences can learn innovate and work in an environment of respect and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values
Benefits:Our comprehensive benefits package includes 22 vacation days 13 paid holidays health insurance life insurance university retirement contributions childcare and adoption assistance and child tuition reimbursement. Funding is available to support professional training and research. More information regarding Cornells generous contract college benefits can be found at .
We are seeking to fill this position at the academic rank of Assistant Librarian. The anticipated salary range is $66000$72000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Based on Cornells internal librarian ranking structure an Assistant Librarian would typically include individuals who have up to three years of relevant experience in a professional librarian appointment. Candidates who have relevant conservation experience in a professional setting and who have completed their advanced degree by September 1 2025 are encouraged to apply.
Relocation assistance may be provided.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
How to Apply: All candidates must apply online via the Cornell Careers site. For full consideration please include the following with your application:
A cover letter that addresses your interest and why you are a good candidate for this position. We are interested in learning about your academic and professional conservation experience;
A Curriculum Vitae. Including a link to your online portfolio which showcases your knowledge and experience with preserving bound materials is encouraged.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a viable pool of applicants is identified; early submission is strongly encouraged. Although we prefer to receive your application as one multipage pdf document we will accept multiple documents in other formats.
University Job Title:
Assistant LibrarianJob Family:
ResearchLevel:
002Pay Rate Type:
SalaryPay Range:
$66000.00 $72000.00Remote Option Availability:
OnsiteCompany:
Contact Name:
Bonnie BaileyJob Titles and Pay Ranges:
NonUnion Positions
Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:
Prior relevant work or industry experience
Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
Unique applicable skills
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Employment Type
Full-Time
