Conservation Fellow presso Newberry Library
Newberry Library · Chicago, Stati Uniti d'America · Onsite
- Junior
- Ufficio in Chicago
TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. Applications sent without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered. To be considered for this role, applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable to apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by email.
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.
Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.
The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Conservation Fellow, funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, performs treatment and rehousing of the Newberry’s collection materials and assists with exhibition related work. This role is term-limited to 12 months.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
ABOUT THE NEWBERRY: The Newberry collection—some 1.6 million books, 600,000 maps, and 5 million manuscript pages—is a portal to more than six centuries of human history, from the Middle Ages to the present. We connect researchers and visitors with our collection in the Newberry’s reading rooms, exhibition galleries, program spaces, classrooms, and online digital resources.
Since its founding in 1887, the Newberry has remained dedicated to deepening our collective understanding of ourselves and the world around us. As individuals engage with Newberry collections and staff, they discover stories that bridge the past and present and illuminate the human condition.
The Newberry’s community of discovery is driven by a shared commitment to promoting research, inspiring learning, and using inquiry across the humanities as a tool to engage critically in a vibrant democratic society.
SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Conservation Fellow, funded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation and administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation, performs treatment and rehousing of the Newberry’s collection materials and assists with exhibition related work. This role is term-limited to 12 months.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- In consultation with the Director, assesses collection materials for conservation and housing needs, which include books, archival documents, maps, paper and parchment manuscripts, photographs, and other materials;
- Carries out in-depth examination, documentation. and treatment of collection items;
- Advises on and creates housing for collection items;
- Participates in exhibition activities including participating in planning meetings, advising on display and condition, carrying out treatment, and participating in installation and de-installation;
- Assists with loan activities including carrying out treatment, preparing condition reports and serving as a courier;
- Participates in implementing environmental and pest monitoring programs;
- Participates in library activities, such as presenting relevant conservation research or work to our colloquium
- Participates in tours of the department and other forms of outreach;
- Conducts research relating to conservation treatment;
- Performs other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program with a specialization in book and paper conservation.
- Excellent hand skills and understanding of conservation theory, practice, and treatments for library and archival materials including books, paper, maps, bound manuscripts on paper and parchment, and photographs.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and productively in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrated record of continued education in the field.
- Proficiency in using productivity software including spreadsheets and databases.
- Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. Physical ability to stand for multiple hours per day and to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. The incumbent will work onsite.
BENEFITS: For more information, please see the "What We Offer" section on the Newberry Careers page.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
