University of Cincinnati Libraries
University of Cincinnati
PO Box 210033
Cincinnati, OH 45221-0033
640 Langsam Library
Phone: (513) 556-1599
Fax:
(513) 556-0325
POSITION: Senior Conservation Technician
EFFECTIVE DATE:
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The University of Cincinnati Libraries seeks a collaborative,
motivated, and skilled individual to preserve and conserve the cultural heritage materials, primarily
book and paper, of the two cooperating institutions. The primary responsibilities of the Senior
Conservation Technician include conservation treatment of special collections/medium rare
materials, exhibition preparation, and special conservation projects. The lab is an open, hybrid lab
environment with a staff of seven, as well as students and volunteers. The lab is located on the
campus of the University of Cincinnati, and is a collaborative lab that is jointly managed, staffed, and
funded by both UC Libraries and the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCH).
RELATIONSHIP AND AUTHORITY: The Senior Conservation Technician reports to the Head,
Preservation Services and Lab and receives direction from the lab conservator. Provides functional
supervision to student workers when the student supervisor is unavailable. Mentors lab volunteers.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
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Performs intermediate to advanced conservation treatments on special collection and
medium rare items from the collections of UC Libraries (UCL) and Public Library of
Cincinnati and Hamilton County (PLCH). Stays abreast of current techniques by
subscribing to conservation listservs, referring to Preservation Services’ reference
collection, attending workshops, and seeking advice and direction from the lab
conservator.
Evaluates materials from UCL and PLCH medium rare collections and determines the
proper treatment based on established conservation and departmental standards and in
consultation with lab conservator as appropriate.
Partners with Digital Collections & Repositories on the planning and implementation of
digitization projects. Takes a leadership role in determining conservation needs before
digitization, advises on handling procedures and standards during digitization, considering
the preservation needs of the materials recommends scanning equipment on object by
object basis, and coordinates post-digitization rehousing.
An affirmative action/equal opportunity institution
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Participates in appropriate committees, task forces, and organizations engaged in
planning, coordinating, and continuous improvement of the physical and digital
preservation of UC Libraries holdings and scholarly output.
Coordinates and executes exhibit preparation including – conservation treatment,
condition reports, custom enclosures, custom cradles, custom matting, and labeling.
Coordinates and executes special conservation/preservation projects including, but not
limited to, rehousing, environmental monitoring and analysis, storage planning, etc.
Member of UCL Disaster Recovery Team; UCL and PLCH engage in mutual aid during
disaster recovery.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor’s degree or combination of degree and relevant experience
Training in book and paper conservation through a formal training program or on-the-job training of
3 or more years
Experience in a recognized conservation facility
Computer skills and experience with conservation treatment databases and image editing software
Ability to work independently and in a team environment
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Experience with photographic documentation of conservation treatments; knowledge of
photographic documentation standards and workflows
Experience with metadata, especially to describe images – IPTC Core, Dublin Core, VRA Core
Experience with digitization processes and workflows, and digital collections.
Experience working with special collections
Experience with exhibition preparation
Experience with matting
Knowledge and/or experience with disaster recovery procedures