2011/12 IMLS Preservation Administration Fellowship at Yale University
http://www.library.yale.edu/
Preservation department
Yale University
New Haven, CT
Fixed Duration Position: 9 months from date of hire; non-renewable
Expected Start Date: September 6, 2011
Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut. Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.
THE UNIVERSITY AND THE LIBRARY
The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development. For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.
THE PRESERVATION DEPARTMENT
The Yale University Library Preservation Department, started in 1971, is one of the oldest in the country. Responsible for the long-term care of the rich and unique record of human thought and creativity contained in the Yale University Library collections, it has strong administrative support and has played a major role in the development of the preservation field. The Department consists of units covering special and general collections conservation and reformatting collections, with system wide responsibilities for: the treatment of rare and special collections materials and circulating materials; mass deacidification; and staff and user education and consultation on wide variety of preservation concerns. For more information, visit http://www.library.yale.edu/
POSITION DESCRIPTION
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Laura Bush 21st Century Librarian Program has awarded funds to The New York Public Library and Yale University Library for a series of eight (8) nine-month preservation administration fellowships over three years. The Yale University Library’s Preservation Department will be hosting three of these fellowships, one per year. This posting is the last of the three fellowships. The purpose of the IMLS Preservation Administration Fellowship is to develop twenty-first century preservation administrators by giving qualified candidates the opportunity to apply administrative skills in preservation in the context of a large research library with a comprehensive preservation program. These skills will be directed toward specific preservation administration projects, preventive / treatment / reformatting / outreach projects, and broader administrative activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Director of Preservation Department / Chief Preservation Officer, the IMLS Preservation Administration Fellow will spend time learning the operations of and working in each Preservation Department unit. The selected candidate will have a special project to complete, which may be a collection condition survey; assessing current preservation procedures and needs; assisting in preparation of a grant proposal; or other appropriate projects, based on the Fellow’s experience and interests. The Fellow will have the opportunity to participate in planning sessions, policy discussions, and other library-wide preservation-related activities. Will require travel to: NYPL, University of Connecticut at Storrs (field work), and select programs/meetings outside of the northeastern United States. May be required to assist with disaster recovery efforts. May be assigned to work at the West Campus of Yale University located in West Haven, CT.
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program for library and information science and advanced certificate in preservation administration and/or equivalent demonstrated knowledge of preservation administration theory and practice, including current preservation, conservation, and format conversion practices and techniques for library and archival materials through prior relevant experience. Knowledge of the history of books, papermaking, and the problems and causes of book and paper deterioration. Excellent written and oral communication skills. Demonstrated computer and technology skills in a variety of workstation, web, and online bibliographic applications. Ability to work in a complex and changing environment with diverse staff and users.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with extensive recreational facilities, and much more.
The IMLS Preservation Administration Fellowship is a competitive fellowship. Applications consisting of a cover letter describing how this position will contribute to long-term career goals, resume, and names and contact information of three (3) professional references should be sent to Amy Burlingame, Human Resources Supervisor & Staffing Representative, at hrlibrary@yale.edu, no later than May 2, 2011. There is no application form. Please be sure to include “IMLS Preservation Fellowship” in the e-mail subject and cover letter. Offer is contingent upon successful completion of a background check. The IMLS Fellowship is a nine (9) month fellowship at Yale, and will receive an award of $40,966 prorated over the fellowship term. Health insurance will be provided.
