Rare Books & Manuscripts Conservator — On Site

Computercraft Corporation; Bethesda (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) plan with matching

Paid leave—128 hours/year

11 paid holidays

Work-life balance

Job summary

Computercraft is seeking an experienced Rare Book Conservator to support the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. You will repair valuable bound and flat paper materials and prepare items for digital scanning, ensuring stability for researchers.

Responsibilities include writing condition and treatment reports, designing protective enclosures, and training staff. A Bachelor's in library science or related field and at least five years of experience are required, with mold

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in library science, museum studies, or a related field.
• Minimum five years of experience in book and manuscript repair.
• Specialized knowledge in safe use and storage of hazardous chemicals used in conservation work.
• Training in disaster salvage, response, and recovery with mold remediation and PPE.
• Knowledge of conservation treatments including solvents, stain reduction, adhesive removal, and mending.

Responsibilities

• Repair valuable bound and flat paper collections using conservation best practices.
• Design and construct protective enclosures.
• Write accurate condition and treatment reports with photo documentation.
• Lead or participate in staff training and demonstrations for NLM staff and visitors.
• Provide photography services for projects and digital initiatives.
• Perform preservation assessments and surveys of collections.
• Carry out routine maintenance and stamping of volumes as needed.
• Identify lab supplies and assist with order preparation.
• Assist with disaster salvage, recovery, and mold remediation.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Hazardous chemicals handling

Education

Bachelor's degree in library science, museum studies, or related field

Job description

Computercraft is seeking an experienced Rare Book Conservator to support the National Library of Medicine in Bethesda, Maryland. You will repair valuable bound and flat paper materials and prepare items for digital scanning, ensuring stability for researchers.

Responsibilities include writing condition and treatment reports, designing protective enclosures, and training staff. A Bachelor's in library science or related field and at least five years of experience are required, with mold