Conservation Technician: Preserve & Repair Library Treasures

Computercraft Corporation; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

401(k) with matching

Paid leave 128 hours/year (first 3 yrs

11 paid holidays

Job summary

Computercraft Corporation seeks an experienced Library Conservation Technician to repair, rehouse, and conserve a wide range of materials at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. Work includes cleaning, mending, encapsulation, and documentation using current best practices for historic and modern collections.

The role is full-time on-site at NIH campus with opportunities to train staff, document processes, and support a federal library program within a prestigious biomedical archive.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in book and manuscript repair and rehousing.
• Trained in disaster salvage, response, and recovery of collection materials.
• Experience with various conservation treatments including solvents, stain reduction, adhesive removal, loss compensation, mending tears.
• Experience re-backs, board and case repairs to leather, cloth and paper bound items; creating storage enclosures.
• Ability to work independently under tight deadlines.
• Ability to make sound conservation decisions.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to obtain Public Trust clearance.

Responsibilities

• Repair materials from 19th century to present using conservation best practices.
• Design and construct protective enclosures (portfolios, phase boxes, clam shells).
• Carry out regular maintenance of the collection (cleaning shelves and objects).
• Provide photography services for specific projects and digital initiatives.
• Document accurate treatment reports in an in-house database.
• Update work orders using Ex Libris Alma to track items.
• Identify lab supplies and assist with order preparation.
• Lead or participate in staff training and demonstration sessions.
• Assist in answering conservation questions and maintaining equipment.
• Assist in salvage and mold remediation efforts for affected collections.
• Submit monthly statistical summaries via Word or Excel.

Skills

Book & manuscript repair

Disaster salvage

Conservation treatments

Leather/cloth/paper bindings

Independent work

Decision making

Communication

Public Trust clearance

Education

Conservation/preservation certificate or degree

Tools

Ex Libris Alma

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Computercraft Corporation seeks an experienced Library Conservation Technician to repair, rehouse, and conserve a wide range of materials at the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, MD. Work includes cleaning, mending, encapsulation, and documentation using current best practices for historic and modern collections.

The role is full-time on-site at NIH campus with opportunities to train staff, document processes, and support a federal library program within a prestigious biomedical archive.