Conservator, UNLV University Libraries [R0147479]

The University of Nevada Las Vegas invites applications forConservator UNLV University Libraries R0147479

ROLE of the POSITION

Reporting to the Head Special Collections Technical Services the Conservator is the primary point of contact for Special Collections and Archives (SCA) and the UNLV Libraries on all matters of library preservation and conservation. The Conservator is responsible for overseeing the UNLV Libraries preservation and conversation lab workload and flow equipment and supplies and student staff.

Responsibilities Include:

• Evaluates collection needs and determines appropriate courses of action to ensure proper storage and handling of rare books and archival collections.
• Collaborates with curators and librarians in SCA to identify appropriate conservation treatments then plans develops prioritizes and performs treatment methods and procedures.
• Writes condition and treatment reports including photo documentation.
• Consults on best practices for conservation in exhibitions as needed.
• Supervises 3-5 student assistants training them in appropriate treatment methods and monitoring their work.
• Orders and manages all archival and conservation supplies manages disaster response kits and assists with disaster planning.
• Monitors environmental temperature and relative humidity in Special Collections Lied Library and other UNLV Library branches including compiling regular reports documenting and analyzing trends over time.
• Serves a weekly two-hour shift on the Special Collections and Archives reference desk.

PROFILE of the UNLV UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

As a strong partner in research and student learning UNLV Libraries fosters critical thinking and lifelong learning at one of the nations fastest growing universities. University Libraries comprises Lied Library and four branch libraries and we are a gateway to more than 80000 electronic journals 1.2 million volumes and 1.4 million e-books. We welcome individuals with diverse backgrounds to join our growing organization of over 120 experienced faculty librarians professionals and staff members.

The primary mission of the Special Collections and Archives Division is to collect preserve provide discovery and access to and promote interpret and instruct in the use of our Collections and Archives documents the history culture and physical environment of the city of Las Vegas the Southern Nevada region the global gaming industry and the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Our collections include manuscripts books photographs periodicals maps architectural drawings oral history interviews audiovisual materials University archives born-digital records and other cultural artifacts. Significant collecting areas are: gaming and gambling; regional community groups and organizations; sexual entertainment and economies; Las Vegas entertainment and the arts; Las Vegas and urban resort architecture; mining and railroads; and Southern and Central Nevada history.

The division is comprised of three departments: Technical Services Public Services and Digital Collections. It also includes the Libraries preservation unit and conservation lab and the Oral History Research Center. Staff includes 8 academic faculty positions 5 administrative faculty positions 1 classified position and multiple student and temporary positions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

This position requires aBachelors Degreefrom an accredited college or university as recognized by the United States Department of Education and/or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) and5 years of bench training in a conservation labORMasters Degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program anda minimum of1-2 years of bench training ORMasters Degree in conservation or museum studies and a minimum of 1-2 years of bench must be obtained prior to the start date.

• Competence and sensitivity in working with individuals who are highly diverse regarding many facets of identity including but not limited to gender ethnicity nationality sexual orientation ability income level of educational attainment and religion.
• Demonstrated ability to perform high-quality conservation treatments on book and paper library and archival materials that comply with professional best practices
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical staff; patience for training and supporting interns and staff with minimal prior conservation experience
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in a team environment where consultation flexibility collaboration and cooperation are essential
• Excellent general conservation knowledge of a variety of media and types of objects including historical and modern book structures and sewing styles
• Knowledge of organic chemistry and its application in the field of conservation
• Excellent manual dexterity and ability to perform intricate and detailed conservation procedures
• Knowledge of environmental requirements (temperature humidity storage containers etc.) for rare book and archival storage spaces
• Knowledge of NEDCC and AIC standards codes of ethics and other best practices with an emphasis on library and archival materials
• Strong computer skills with a proficient level of experience in Microsoft Word Office and GoogleSuite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience managing a supply budget and/or developing and maintaining relationships with vendors
• Experience developing and/or maintaining conservation treatment documentation
• Experience presenting training or educational programs to a variety of audiences; ability to engage in preservation-related outreach through workshops social media or teaching
• Experience conducting large-scale preservation assessments and developing preservation plans for large collections
• Knowledge of chemical and physical properties of film magnetic media and photographic processes and best practices for preservation and conservation of such formats

COMMITMENT to DIVERSITY and CAMPUSVALUES