Libraries Preservation Assistant

University of Minnesota; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

An established industry player seeks a Libraries Preservation Assistant to support conservation efforts. This part-time role involves detail-oriented work, including treatment documentation, performing repairs on special collections, and assisting with assessments. The position offers a unique opportunity to engage with rare materials and contribute to the preservation of valuable collections. Ideal candidates will have a keen interest in preservation practices and the ability to work independently. Join a team dedicated to enriching the community and ensuring access to information for future generations.

Qualifications

• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Experience with book and paper making, preservation, and/or conservation is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist in performing photo documentation and writing treatment proposals.
• Perform basic repairs and treatment on special collections projects.
• Build custom enclosures for materials needing support.

Skills

Detail-oriented work

Ability to follow diagrams and instructions

Basic office skills

Demonstrated ability to work independently

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

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Job ID

368207

Location

Twin Cities

Job Family

Supplemental Employee

Full/Part Time

Part-Time

Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Code

0001

Employee Class

Civil Service

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About the Job

Working Job Title: Libraries Preservation Assistant
Department: Collection Management & Preservation
Reports to: Conservation Specialist

Job Code: Temporary Casual, 0001
Pay Rate:$17.50/hour - 14 hours/week
Work Hours: Monday-Friday, hours TBD

Job Summary:
Seeking an individual who enjoys detail-oriented work, likes to work with their hands, and has an interest in, or experience with, book and paper making, preservation, and/or conservation. Under the supervision of the Conservation Specialist, this position will provide support for the ongoing preventative preservation efforts of the Collection Management & Preservation Department. This position is responsible for performing basic conservation treatments, treatment documentation, assisting with collections assessments, and rehousing techniques to help care for our special collections materials.

The University of Minnesota Libraries' current mission focuses on powering curiosity, discovery, and connection. UMN Libraries expand access to information, strengthen research and teaching, and enrich communities throughout Minnesota, the region, and the world.


Duties and Responsibilities:

• Treatment documentation: assist in performing photo documentation on complex treatments and assist with writing formal treatment proposals and reports.
• Perform basic repairs and treatment on special collections projects including paper repairs, cleaning.
• Assist with collection assessment surveys.
• Build custom enclosures for materials needing additional support after treatment.
• Measure materials for vendor enclosures as needed.

Temp/Causal Employee Development Outcomes:
The University Libraries expect the temp/casual staff member to engage in activities which develop and demonstrate growth in the following areas:

Responsibility/Accountability:

• Meets agreed upon expectations by being punctual and maintaining a stable attendance record
• Attends and actively participates in scheduled training sessions.
• Takes responsibility for their own time management by notifying the Conservation Specialist in advance of schedule changes and availability by specific date.
• Wears appropriate attire to ensure safety. This includes additional measures for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and the temp/casual employee is expected to follow the University's safety guidelines.

Independence/Interdependence:

• Work on tasks independently, as meets skill level and knowledge.
• Knowing when to rely on your peers to problem-solve and knowing when to involve the Conservation Specialist.

Goal Orientation:

• Does not allow distractions to prevent timely completion of tasks by finishing assigned projects during the scheduled shift.
  Ability to identify what repairs are needed based on condition issues with the consultation and assistance of the Conservation Specialist.

Self Awareness:

• Maintains and projects optimistic perspective and understanding that assigned tasks have an impact on the performance of the department and our overall success in manifesting our mission.
• Demonstrates effective planning skills by documenting completed tasks & indicating/communicating completed steps in the process to the Conservation Specialist.
• Connects with co-workers and supervisor to establish relationships conducive to positive professional interactions.

Resilience:

• Able to utilize feedback and revise tasks in a constantly changing environment: during the handling of materials, errors will be communicated as a collective learning opportunity and the temp/casual employee is expected to make adjustments to the process accordingly.
• Prepares for a physical working environment that may include but is not limited to: varied temperatures, small enclosed spaces, dust, books that contain dirt and mold (safety materials will be distributed for use whenever mold or excessive dirt are present), etc.

Appreciation of Differences:

• Seeks out others to improve decision-making by being open to new ideas and maintains courteous attitude when disagreements arise.

Tolerance of Ambiguity:

• Develop an understanding that productivity will differ greatly because of the variable conditions of each collection, and success is a collective effort.
  Can work under conditions of uncertainty by understanding that not all issues or questions have a linear answer (e.g. treatment on paper objects is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, what works for one item may not work for others and it takes practice and knowledge to make these decisions about different items).

Qualifications

Required:

• Ability to follow diagrams and instructions
• Ability to work around dust and occasional strong odors with appropriate protective equipment
• Basic office skills (accurate typing, alphabetizing, etc.)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently

Preferred:

• Knowledge of how to handle rare objects and books
• Exposure to the library environment
• Demonstrated ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail in an environment with repetitive tasks
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other staff
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative on projects and stay on task

About the Department

The Collection Management & Preservation Department provides strategic stewardship of University of Minnesota Libraries content to ensure continuing access for future generations of users. The unit employs cost-effective strategies for managing the life cycle of content and collections, including stabilizing physical materials to ensure usability, reformatting materials to ensure long-term access to their content, implementing preventative preservation practices throughout the Libraries, and promoting preservation and providing educational opportunities for Libraries staff and users.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Rate: $17.50/hour

Retirement plan options are available for Civil Service, Faculty, Labor-Represented, Professional & Administrative, and Temp Casual classifications. Learn more about retirement plans.

How To Apply

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail [e-mail] or call [phone].

Diversity

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Employment Requirements

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

About the U of M

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).