Are you interested in being part of a dynamic team that is growing? The Hoover Institution Library & Archives is seeking enthusiastic, growth-focused, service-oriented candidates for the position of Book & Paper Conservator whose principle role will be to ensure the effective coordination and execution of digital imaging activities associated with the Digital First/Virtual Library Initiative. The initiative aims to deliver large-scale digitization of Library & Archives collections for scholarly and research uses. The full time career track position supports the Digital First/Virtual Library Initiative and general operations.

A cover letter and resume are required for full consideration.

About Stanford University’s Hoover Institution:  

The Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace is a public policy research center devoted to the advanced study of economics, politics, history, and political economy—both domestic and foreign—as well as international affairs. 

Founded in 1919 by Herbert Hoover before he became the thirty-first president of the United States, the Institution began as a repository of historical material gathered at the end of World War I.  The library and archives have grown to be among the largest private repositories of documents on twentieth-century political and economic history.  Over time the Institution expanded its mission from collecting archival material to conducting advanced research on contemporary history and economics and applying this scholarship to current public policy challenges. 

With its eminent scholars and world-renowned library and archives, the Hoover Institution seeks to improve the human condition by advancing ideas that promote economic opportunity and prosperity while securing and safeguarding peace for America and all humanity.

JOB PURPOSE:

The Book & Paper Conservator is responsible for working independently, as a team member, and as a supervisor to examine, analyze, document, and treat paper-based objects of the Hoover Institution Library & Archives' international collection of personal papers, organizational records, and rare published materials from the twentieth and twenty-first centuries. The Book & Paper Conservator coordinates the preparation of material for research use, digitization, and/or exhibition to promote discovery and access to the Hoover Institution’s multi-lingual cultural heritage materials.

CORE DUTIES*:

• Coordinates the examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of archival materials and/or rare published materials, according to professional standards and current archival and library procedures.
• Participates in the formulation and implementation of project planning, management, and workflow; determines project goals and schedules; and surveys archival and library holdings to identify materials in need of additional attention. 
• Assists with the development of procedures and workflows to support the Library & Archives Digital First/Virtual Library initiative.
• Independently analyzes problems and recommends solutions, displaying a high degree of initiative, originality, and judgment in applying archival and library principles and procedures to complex and unique collections. 
• Assists with the development of processes and workflows to support the Library & Archives circulation and access procedures
• Conducts preservation assessments to determine appropriate preservation actions and conservation treatment.
• Supervises the day-to-day work of staff, assistants, vendors and student and/or temporary workers, including hiring, training, scheduling, assigning and prioritizing workloads, setting appropriate deadlines, reviewing work for quality and timeliness, and providing performance review input.
• Collects and maintains statistics, reports, and other metrics to assess and improve functions using multiple platforms
• Assists with outreach and reading room activities
• Participates in relevant professional and outreach activities.

* The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education & Experience:

An Advanced Degree in Conservation, Library Science, or a relevant academic discipline with demonstrated understanding of academic libraries and two or more years of relevant experience in paper conservation with a demonstrated understanding of archival and rare materials or a combination of education and relevant experience required. A background in twentieth and twenty-first century world history, politics, or culture strongly preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation, and treatment of archival and rare materials 
• Advanced knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of cultural heritage materials, specifically conservation practice for paper and photographic materials
• Expert hand skills, including manual dexterity and color acuity, and advanced knowledge of analytical techniques
• Familiarity and experience with institutional preventative conservation practices for collections and exhibition and a record of successful conservation treatments
• Preservation experience with objects, audio, video, film, and photographic media.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment with the flexibility to adjust to changes and reprioritizations while maintaining a very high level of productivity.
• A high level of proficiency using PC-based applications (Windows, word processing, spreadsheets) and other computer applications (email, Internet, Integrated Library Systems); ability to keep up-to-date with emerging technologies in academic libraries and conservation practice.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate and direct teams across disciplines and to build long‐term relationships
• Experience with, or ability to learn skills for the supervision and training of staff and assistants.
• Excellent written, verbal, analytical, organizational, and interpersonal skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and prioritize work, with strong project management skills and the ability to use considerable judgment and initiative.
• Preference for a working knowledge of at least one non-English language; other additional languages desirable.
• Preference for an advanced knowledge of preservation issues in cultural institutions and/or accomplishment in conservation research and writing preferred 

Certifications and Licenses:

• None

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS*:

• Constantly sit, perform desk-based computer tasks. 
• Work with books and in places that may be dusty.
• Frequently twist/bend/stoop/squat, grasp lightly/fine manipulation, grasp forcefully, sort/file paperwork or parts, lift/carry/push/pull objects that weigh up to 10 pounds.
• Occasionally stand/walk, reach/work above shoulders, writing by hand, kneel/crawl, climb (ladders, scaffolds, or other).
• Rarely use a telephone, operate hand controls.
• Must be able to push and maneuver a fully-loaded cart weighing up to 650 pounds that requires an initial push force up to 50 pounds.  Ability to lift 40 pound boxes or bundles.

*Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of his or her job.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• May work in confined spaces and at heights 4-10 feet; be exposed to dust and mold; work extended hours, evenings and weekends.

WORK STANDARDS:

• Interpersonal Skills: Demonstrates the ability to work well with Stanford colleagues and clients as well as with external organizations.
• Promote Culture of Safety: Demonstrates commitment to personal responsibility and value for safety; communicates safety concerns; uses and promotes safe behaviors based on training and lessons learned.
• Subject to and expected to comply with all applicable University policies and procedures, including but not limited to the personnel policies and other policies found in the University's Administrative Guide, http://adminguide.stanford.edu.

The Hoover Institution at Stanford University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Additional Information

• Schedule: Full-time
• Job Code: 1782
• Employee Status: Regular
• Grade: H
• Department URL: http://www.hoover.org
• Requisition ID: 87555