Senior Conservation Librarian, Qatar National Library

Qatar National Library is recruiting a Senior Conservation Librarian  to be based in Doha, Qatar. For more details about Qatar National Library, feel free to visit http://www.qnl.qa/
To apply for this position, please send your CV to Sandra Montesinos smontesinos@qf.org.qa
Job Purpose:
This senior position will be responsible for a program of conservation and preservation of a wide variety of heritage materials, including books, manuscripts, maps, prints, drawings, photographic materials, and other library/archive materials.  Develops standards, policies, procedures, and selection of materials used in the repair and conservation of both rare and non-rare library materials. The position will plan, document, and perform complex conservation and preservation treatments on materials held in the library’s rare and special collections.  Regularly scheduled evening and weekend work may be required
Responsibilities:

  • Develops standards, policies, procedures, and selection of materials used in the repair and conservation of both rare and non-rare library materials.  Researches specifications and sources of conservation materials or equipment.
  • Plans, documents, and performs complex conservation and preservation treatments on materials held in the library’s rare and special collections, principally bound volumes on paper with additional expertise in related areas such as maps, prints, drawings, and manuscripts on paper, photographic materials, documents on vellum or papyrus, or other library/archive materials.
  • Examines and executes analytical tests on collection materials and helps inform curatorial staff and researchers on their physical makeup or technology of production.
  • Documents examinations and treatments in writing and by photography.
  • Contributes to the maintenance of the conservation unit and lab: prepares materials used for conservation; monitors supply needs; maintains specialized equipment; maintains security for valuable library materials; understands, follows, and enforces safe laboratory practices.
  • Trains, supervises, or coordinates the work of others such as conservation technicians, student assistants, interns, or staff from other units as needed either on a project basis or permanent staff.
  • Advises library staff on the condition of collections, collection storage, handling, and exhibition; performs on-site inspections, recommends appropriate action, and assists with its implementation.
  • Conducts condition surveys of collections.
  • Designs and executes special conservation projects including grant-funded projects, conservation aspects of exhibits or digitization, and loan preparations.
  • May assume responsibility for managing project budgets.
  • Assists in providing disaster recovery services for library materials; may assume primary responsibility for disaster recovery operations.
  • Contributes to the conservation field in areas of specialization through service, research, writing, outreach, presentations, and/or teaching.
  • Serve on designated committees throughout the library.
  • Keep abreast of developments, trends and issues in all areas of responsibilities.
  • Familiarize, understand and implement QF health, safety, and environment policy, procedures, legal regulations and objectives applicable to areas of responsibility. Ensures coordination with HSE department in implementing, monitoring and reviewing of HSE performance to ensure work under his/her control is performed in a safe, healthy and environmentally sound manner.
  • This position includes, but is not limited to, other duties as required and defined by the scope, purpose, and spirit of the institution and are not always indicative of the title and grade of the position.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience:

  • Master’s degree in Library or Information Science accredited by the American Library Association or foreign equivalent.  A second master’s degree in conservation, or equivalent advanced degree and experience is required.
  • 3 years of progressively responsible experience in Conservation and Preservation activities.
  • Extensive experience and an advanced knowledge of the materials science and chemistry of paper and other writing materials; the history of binding, printing, and manuscripts; and current conservation theory and practice.
  • Strong interpersonal, communication and presentation skills in both oral and written English. Arabic language skills will be an asset.
  • Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.m.