Conservation Staff Assistant

Job Number: REQ_0000064045

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

Purpose/Position Summary: Performs conservation care and treatments on library materials held in the library's general, rare, and special collections. This position's primary assignment will involve collections preservation and conservation at the University Libraries Conservation Centre located four miles off campus on Sandy Drive.

Responsibilities (essential functions):

Under the close direction of the Preservation Services Manager and Senior Book Conservator:

• Assists in the preparation of materials for commercial binding. This involves evaluating periodicals, serials, newspapers, and monographs for shipment, boxing of materials, unpacking returned shipments, and quality control checks. Assists in the preparation of materials for mass deacidification treatment, such as selection of materials, condition review, and tracking shipments.
• Receives training and performs a variety of tasks related to the preservation and conservation of books and other library materials from Penn State's general, rare, and special collections. Carries out treatments on library materials in accordance with accepted standards for conservation practice. Assesses and performs minor book repairs including cleaning, mending, construction of housing, and encapsulation. Receives training in traditional bookbinding and paper art techniques and participates in outreach projects.
• Assists with supply inventories and restocking of materials; prepares solutions and other treatment essentials (e.g., paste, adhesives).
• Adhere to best practices by maintaining a clean workspace; understanding and observing building and chemical safety protocols; and maintaining the security for valuable library materials.
• Maintains accurate statistics on daily activities and reports this information monthly. All work assignments and tasks are to be completed in an accurate and timely manner, according to established standards and practices.
• Assists in responding to collection emergencies and participates with disaster recovery services.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least 2 years of working experience; or a combination of related education and work experience to equal four years.
• Demonstrated ability to perform exacting handwork with care, precision, patience, and attention to detail in a productive environment. Handwork includes the use of hand tools (knives, straightedges, punches, brushes, etc.) and manual bookbinding equipment (paper cutter, book press, etc.).
• Ability to communicate with colleagues about job-related tasks, both written and verbally.
• Basic computer literacy and ability to navigate email/correspondence, shared documents, and data systems.
• Ability to work in an environment in which exposure to dust, dirt, and mold is possible.
• Understands and values diversity and the importance of inclusion as demonstrated through a commitment to apply and incorporate the differences, complexities, and opportunities that diversity brings to the organization.

Physical Requirements:

• Light physical effort is required for packing and unpacking materials and moving book trucks.
• Ability to remain stationary (sitting and standing) for several hours a day.
• Ability to look at a computer screen for several hours a day.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of library operations
• Experience working in a library, museum, or cultural heritage institution.
• Experience in the careful handling of rare and special materials.
• Coursework in chemistry, art, or related fields.
• Digital photography skills, as well as working knowledge of Adobe programs (Ex: Photoshop, Bridge, InDesign, and Lightroom)

Conservation Staff Assistant

Part-time: 24 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:00am - 5:00pm.

Applications must include a resume and cover letter. Please be prepared to provide 2-3 references upon request.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission. University Park, PA

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.