9A15
LIBRARY CONSERVATION TECHNICIAN

This is technical library conservation work at the full performance level in the conservation, preservation and restoration of on-line digital exhibitions, library books and related printed matter including special collections, rare books, works of art, documents, photographs for library use and circulation. Employees in this class assess the condition, type and age of library books and related printed material and determine the appropriate conservation technique. Work is performed under the general supervision of a technical superior. Light physical effort is required in a laboratory environment with some disagreeable aspects.

• The position must be engaged in the conservation, preservation and restoration of library books and related materials.
• The position must be located in the Collection Care Unit of the Free Library of Philadelphia.

• Performs conservation treatments on library materials for both the circulating collections and non-circulating special collections; assesses the type and age of material and determines the appropriate conservation technique; cleans and repairs items from the library's special collections, such as disbinding volumes for conservation treatment and inter-leaving pages; surface cleans paper documents using dry methods with grated erasure and particulate vacuum with Hepa filter; tests pH of material solutions; de-acidifies objects using distilled water; removes cellophane tapes, glue and/or old repairs using heat spatula, humidifier or chemicals; repairs paper tears and losses with toned Japanese paper and reversible acid-free adhesives; flattens and relaxes wrinkled and folded paper with humidity or chemicals; retouches and boxes for items after conservation treatments; trains interns in proper conservation techniques and practices.
• Preserves library collections through digitization; prepares rare and fragile documents and photographs for scanning; assists in decision making on how various media types (photographs, maps, blueprints, paper documents) will be archived; determines digital file specifications and technical procedures for digital preservation projects and on-line digital exhibitions; edits and repairs images using image editing software; adjusts clarity of images depending on exhibition display, website or preservation goals; enters technical project metadata into library database; archives scanned images by creating image data CDs; fills departmental requests from library patrons by creating CD's of requested images; tracks workflow and maintains statistics for digital imaging projects; trains interns on the use of scanners and image editing software.
• Prepares specialized papers for repairs by dying them with acrylic paints; prepares leather for use in book repair using manual paring machine and paring knives; measures and cuts cloth or leather covers; measures and cuts boards; rebinds and resews cloth, leather and vellum books; finishes books by printing title and call number on spine; may use gold or blind stamping.
• Performs basic repairs on circulating materials or prepares the material for a commercial binder; enters binding shipment data into computer database using commercial binding software; ships and receives bound and reinforced library books from outside commercial binder; checks books for quality and prepares them for library use; measures and cuts boards; pastes endpapers to boards; prepares leather books using leather toned specialized paper and wheat starch paste.
• Measures and cuts window mats for fine art prints, documents; assists in exhibition preparation.
• Provides training and advice to library staff on collection care, handling and preservation.
• Attends workshops, conferences and classes relevant to conservation and preservation of library materials.
• Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE OF:
• the methods, materials, tools, and equipment used in all aspects of the library book and paper conservation, preservation and restoration.
• the safety measures and procedures for handling the conservation of materials.
• general computer network and desktop software including word-processing, email applications, scanning and imaging software.
• how carry to out complex conservation treatments on rare and unique artifacts.
• Code of ethics of the American Institute of Conservation.
SKILL IN:
• treating materials, including cleaning and/or washing, chemical de-acidification, flattening, matting, binding, rebinding, repair and restoration.
• Maintaining strict quality control over treatments performed.
• Effective decision-making and problem-solving.
• Interpersonal, oral and written communication.
ABILITY TO:
• Carry out complex conservation treatments on rare and unique artifacts.
• Assist in conservation planning, program development and special projects.
• Consult with curators and/or selectors and/or department heads on treatment options.
• Create photographic documents and to write condition reports.
• Perform general laboratory maintenance including supplies inventory.
• Assist graduate student interns and graduate student trainees.
• Manage workflow, while meeting deadlines for projects.
• Work independently.

EDUCATION
• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university with major course work in art, art history or a related field.
AND
EXPERIENCE
• Two years of experience in book restoration, conservation, preservation, and/or bookbinding.

OR

Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department that has included the completion of a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum.

NOTE:

Completion of a master's degree program in Art or an equivalent area may be substituted for one year of the above experience.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.