Folger Shakespeare Library
Book and Paper Conservator for Exhibitions
Folger Shakespeare Library, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Book and Paper Conservator for Exhibitions role at Folger Shakespeare Library. The Conservator will perform conservation treatments on bound and unbound library and archival materials for exhibition-related activities, under the direction of the Head of Conservation and Preservation. Responsibilities
Exhibition Support and Liaison: serve as primary liaison between the Conservation and Preservation Department and the Exhibition Department; advise curators and exhibition staff on selection, preservation, and display of collection items; support exhibition installation and ensure proper care of materials; create high-end display mounts. Collections Care and Conservation: evaluate condition of items for exhibition, design treatment proposals, implement workflows and timelines; perform complex conservation treatments on books, manuscripts, parchment, and works on paper; document condition at all treatment stages per guidelines; contribute to preventive preservation programs; prepare items for outgoing loans and participate in loan policies. Collaboration and Outreach: contribute to team projects; assist in Conservation Lab administration; provide training and supervision as needed; educate staff, researchers, and the public on conservation; support programming through talks and digital content; stay current with field developments; participate in professional development and related activities. Qualifications
Master’s degree in Conservation, or at least 5 years of recent, relevant experience in book and paper conservation (equivalent training acceptable). Hands-on conservation experience in a library or archival setting, with emphasis on book, paper, and parchment conservation; and experience in exhibition preparation and installation. Solid experience with conservation documentation tools (databases, photography) and imaging (transmitted, UV, IR); ability to train staff, fellows, or interns is desirable; public engagement/outreach experience is a plus. Strong knowledge of the history and structure of books and their displays; familiarity with leather, parchment, paper, and printing/writing media; understanding of materials used in conservation and exhibition contexts; knowledge of chemistry and material science; understanding of environmental requirements in galleries and storage. Excellent communication skills, collaboration, project management, and organizational abilities; proficiency with digital tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, Airtable, FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite). Education and Experience
Master’s degree in Conservation, or at least 5 years of recent, relevant experience in book and paper conservation; equivalent training accepted. Hands-on conservation practice in library/archival settings; exhibition preparation and installation experience required. Working Conditions
Professional conservation lab environment; varied equipment and environmental conditions; reasonable accommodations available for disabilities. Normal schedule Monday–Friday, 8:45am–4:45pm, with occasional evenings/weekends for projects; onsite in DC area; commuting distance required. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs; use of chemicals per OSHA requirements; occasional travel as courier. Employment details
Employment type: Full-time Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology Industries: Libraries
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Book and Paper Conservator for Exhibitions role at Folger Shakespeare Library. The Conservator will perform conservation treatments on bound and unbound library and archival materials for exhibition-related activities, under the direction of the Head of Conservation and Preservation. Responsibilities
Exhibition Support and Liaison: serve as primary liaison between the Conservation and Preservation Department and the Exhibition Department; advise curators and exhibition staff on selection, preservation, and display of collection items; support exhibition installation and ensure proper care of materials; create high-end display mounts. Collections Care and Conservation: evaluate condition of items for exhibition, design treatment proposals, implement workflows and timelines; perform complex conservation treatments on books, manuscripts, parchment, and works on paper; document condition at all treatment stages per guidelines; contribute to preventive preservation programs; prepare items for outgoing loans and participate in loan policies. Collaboration and Outreach: contribute to team projects; assist in Conservation Lab administration; provide training and supervision as needed; educate staff, researchers, and the public on conservation; support programming through talks and digital content; stay current with field developments; participate in professional development and related activities. Qualifications
Master’s degree in Conservation, or at least 5 years of recent, relevant experience in book and paper conservation (equivalent training acceptable). Hands-on conservation experience in a library or archival setting, with emphasis on book, paper, and parchment conservation; and experience in exhibition preparation and installation. Solid experience with conservation documentation tools (databases, photography) and imaging (transmitted, UV, IR); ability to train staff, fellows, or interns is desirable; public engagement/outreach experience is a plus. Strong knowledge of the history and structure of books and their displays; familiarity with leather, parchment, paper, and printing/writing media; understanding of materials used in conservation and exhibition contexts; knowledge of chemistry and material science; understanding of environmental requirements in galleries and storage. Excellent communication skills, collaboration, project management, and organizational abilities; proficiency with digital tools (Outlook, Excel, Word, Airtable, FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite). Education and Experience
Master’s degree in Conservation, or at least 5 years of recent, relevant experience in book and paper conservation; equivalent training accepted. Hands-on conservation practice in library/archival settings; exhibition preparation and installation experience required. Working Conditions
Professional conservation lab environment; varied equipment and environmental conditions; reasonable accommodations available for disabilities. Normal schedule Monday–Friday, 8:45am–4:45pm, with occasional evenings/weekends for projects; onsite in DC area; commuting distance required. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs; use of chemicals per OSHA requirements; occasional travel as courier. Employment details
Employment type: Full-time Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Job function: Design, Art/Creative, and Information Technology Industries: Libraries
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