LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Rare Book and Paper Conservator to provide specialized conservation treatment, preservation support, and collections care services for rare and unique historical materials, including books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and archival paper collections. This position supports the preservation and accessibility of historically significant biomedical collections used by researchers, scholars, and the public.
The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical conservation skills, experience working in library or archival conservation laboratories, and the ability to independently perform complex conservation treatments within a federal research library environment.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Perform conservation treatment and stabilization of rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and flat paper materials using current conservation best practices and American Institute for Conservation (AIC) standards.
- Conduct treatments including cleaning, adhesive removal, stain reduction, tear repair, loss compensation, flattening, pigment consolidation, mold remediation, and iron gall ink stabilization.
- Repair damaged bindings, covers, spines, text blocks, and cases involving leather, cloth, and paper-bound materials.
- Design and construct custom protective enclosures and housings for rare and fragile collection materials.
- Prepare collection materials for digitization and institutional loans, including packing and condition assessment activities.
- Create detailed condition and treatment reports with photographic documentation using NLM’s online systems and databases.
- Provide photography support for digital initiatives and conservation documentation workflows.
- Conduct preservation assessments, collection surveys, and ongoing collections maintenance activities.
- Assist with disaster preparedness, salvage, recovery, and mold remediation activities for library collections.
- Maintain conservation laboratory equipment, tools, and supplies, and assist with supply inventory and procurement recommendations.
- Support staff training, demonstrations, and outreach activities related to conservation and preservation practices.
- Prepare and submit accurate monthly work summaries and treatment documentation in accordance with contract reporting requirements.
