Collections Care Technician, Library Assistant 5

Case Western Reserve University; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a Collections Care Technician, Library Assistant 5 to support the preservation of library materials at Kelvin Smith Library. This role involves performing repairs, developing preservation strategies, and working collaboratively with library teams. Ideal candidates are detail-oriented with a background in related fields and an ability to supervise students.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Healthcare options

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Winter recess

Qualifications

• Experience in library materials preservation.
• Knowledge of conservation principles.
• Ability to supervise student employees.

Responsibilities

• Perform repairs on library collection materials.
• Implement preservation policies and procedures.
• Conduct preventive care measures.

Skills

Attention to detail

Manual dexterity

Communication

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in chemistry, art history, studio art, or relevant education

High school education and 6 years experience

Associate's degree and 3 years experience

Job description

Collections Care Technician, Library Assistant 5

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Case Western Reserve University is committed to providing a transparent estimate of the salary for this position at the time of its posting. The starting wage rate is $21.00 per hour.

Employees receive more than just a paycheck. University employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare, retirement plans, tuition assistance, paid time off, and a winter recess.

POSITION OBJECTIVE

Working with a degree of independence, the Collections Care Technician is a key position that works directly with collection materials. Reporting to the Preservation Services Team Leader, the collections care technician will be collaborating in the development and implementation of preservation strategies, performing repair treatments on general collections materials, participating in more complex conservation treatments, conducting preventive care measures (environmental monitoring and integrated pest management), and assisting the digitization specialist on complex imaging tasks. This position will collaborate with various library teams and will actively engage with them to achieve desired outcomes for enhancing the overall health of the collections held at Kelvin Smith Library (KSL). This position plays a crucial role in ensuring the long-term preservation of the library's diverse collections.

Essential Functions

• Collections Repair. Perform repairs on a range of library collections, primarily books, utilizing appropriate tools, techniques, and materials. Assist with complex conservation treatments of special collections and university archives materials. Ensure adherence to established conservation ethics, standards, and best practices. (35%)
• Preservation Services Support. Collaborate with the preservation services team leader to implement preservation policies and procedures. Coordinate in the development and execution of collection surveys and condition assessments. Contribute to the planning and execution of preservation projects, including rehousing, object conservation, and materials research. (20%)
• Preventive Care. Implement preventive care measures, such as environmental monitoring, pest management, and disaster preparedness. Collaborate with other library teams to develop and maintain appropriate storage, handling, and exhibition practices. Contribute to the maintenance and organization of storage areas, ensuring proper housing and labeling of collection materials. (20%)
• Documentation and Reporting. Accurately record treatment and condition information in the library's preservation statistics database and library catalog records. Generate reports and documentation related to conservation treatments, surveys, and assessments. Maintain and update preservation documentation, including treatment records, policies, and procedures. (12%)
• Professional Development and Collaboration. Stay current with developments in the field of preservation and conservation through professional literature, workshops, conferences, and training opportunities. Foster collaboration and engagement with colleagues, researchers, and library users by providing expertise and advice on collection care and preservation-related topics. (6%)
• Contributes to and maintains a work culture of inclusion of distinct perspectives, civility and belonging. Recommend, implement, evaluate, and ensure adherence to customer services operating policies and procedures, adjust, as needed, to ensure effective and efficient operations; maintain written record of the same (6%)
  
  
  

Nonessential Funcitons

Perform other duties as assigned. (<1%)

CONTACTS

Department: Frequent contact with library staff in all Kelvin Smith Libraries to maintain workflow

University: Frequent contact with faculty and staff and/or staff of other campus libraries and departments

External: Frequent contact with vendors in resolving departmental specific issues

Students: Frequent and direct contact both with student staff and student patrons to address concerns/problems and/or use and interpret established procedures

Supervisory Responsibilities

Will be responsible for hiring, training, and evaluating the performance of student employees.

QUALIFICAITONS

Experience/Education: High school education and 6 years¿ experience, OR Associate's degree and 3 years¿ experience, OR Bachelor's degree in chemistry, art history, studio art, or a combination of relevant education and no experience.

Required Skills

• Knowledge of preservation principles, practices, and techniques for a variety of library materials.
• Familiarity with conservation materials, tools, and equipment.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent manual dexterity.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with varying types of stakeholders.
• Ability to supervise students.
• Ability to work independently, balanced with an ability to take direction from others.
• Ability to work in and contribute to an environment of inclusion of distinct perspectives, civility and belonging.
• Demonstrated history of successful support, education, and advocacy for all students, aligned with the values, mission, and messaging of the university, while adhering to the staff policy on conflict of commitment and interest.
• Ability to meet consistent attendance.
• Ability to interact with colleagues, supervisors, and customers face-to-face.
  
  
  

WORKING CONDITIONS

Typical office/library environment. The Collections Care Technician will primarily work within the Kelvin Smith Library's Preservation Services department. The position may involve physical tasks such as lifting, bending, and standing for extended periods. The technician may also be exposed to chemicals and other materials commonly used in conservation treatments. The role may require occasional evening or weekend work, especially during preservation projects or emergencies.

Case Western Reserve University is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are protected under federal and state laws and university policy from discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, protected veteran status, disability, age and genetic information.

Case Western Reserve University complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act regarding reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the CWRU Office of Equity at 216-368-3066 to request a reasonable accommodation. Determinations as to granting reasonable accommodations for any applicants will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Higher Education

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