Iowa State University is seeking a Library Conservator. This position reports to the Head of Preservation and participates in an active preservation department established in 1986 that includes a 3,400 sq. ft. well-equipped conservation lab for treating general circulating and Special Collections and University Archives materials.?The Library Conservator works directly with Special Collections and University Archives to establish priorities, maintain workflows, and provide recommendations on care and handling.?

The Library Conservator assesses condition, makes treatment decisions, and performs conservation treatment of Special Collections items, including those selected for exhibits and digitization. At the collection level, they work directly with Special Collections and University Archives staff, assisting with overall conservation planning, such as performing collection surveys, making housing and storage recommendations, and drafting and implementing collection-level preservation plans. This position takes part in recommending expenditures of the dedicated Preservation supply/equipment budgets and participates in training, education, and outreach, and plays an active role in the disaster response team. They may also provide oversight and training to student workers, interns, and volunteers. This position will also serve on divisional and library committees, teams, and task forces. To this end, the library is committed to supporting all librarians through training and professional development opportunities to foster success and growth in their work. The Library Conservator will be supported in the pursuit of continued learning relevant to their position and encouraged to share their skills with their colleagues at ISU and beyond.

This position must be able to demonstrate continued effectiveness in job performance through evidence of increasing knowledge, understanding, and skills in performing the duties of their position; interact effectively with library staff and the university community; work both independently and collaboratively in a team-based environment; communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences; and demonstrate a strong commitment to public service and the land-grant mission.

This is a one-year term position with the possibility of extension.

Level Guidelines
• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Please Note: To receive full consideration, applications should be received by March 2, 2025.

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Master’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability to perform high quality conservation treatments on general and special collections materials, primarily on books and paper
Demonstrated ability to engage in preservation-related outreach through workshops, social media, or teaching
Master's degree in conservation, library science, or museum studies
Previous experience guiding student workers in a department
Experience in the preparation and treatment of materials for digitization projects