Head, Library Preservation

Description

Princeton University Library is searching for an innovative and dynamic individual to head the Library's Preservation Office. The Preservation Office serves the Princeton University Library system as well as University faculty, students, staff and community. Princeton University Library is one of America's most prestigious research libraries and boasts many world-renowned collections across many academic disciplines with more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, and 2 million non-print items. The holdings in its central library and 10 specialized libraries range from ancient papyri and incunabula to the most advanced electronic databases and digital collections. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support personnel, complemented by a large student and hourly workforce. More information can be found at the Library's Web site: http://library.princeton.edu

The position of Head, Library Preservation, will lead and develop the Library's preservation and conservation work, and will contribute to new strategic planning for the transformation of preservation efforts from a largely analog environment to an increasingly digital one. This position will head a Conservation unit which treats materials in Special Collections throughout the Library system and also a Collections Conservation unit which handles material from all general collections. The Head, in consultation with all relevant stakeholders, will develop Princeton's long term preservation strategies for print and other analog library collections. The successful candidate will also work with Library Digital Initiatives staff to develop policies, procedures, and best practices for long term preservation of the Library's growing collection of digital assets. Working collaboratively with various units in the Library currently involved in digitization, will help develop new approaches to preservation driven digital work. This position also oversees the full range of library preservation efforts, including, but not limited to, disaster response planning and recovery initiatives, collaborating on critical preventive programs such as commercial binding or deacidification projects, manages environmental monitoring and pest management programs, and manages environmental datalogger installations in multiple locations. Also advises on library facilities projects. The position works with conservation staff, curators, and unit heads to design and present workshops and training seminars. The Head of Preservation actively leads and participates in disaster response efforts, and deploys the Preservation staff who are designated "first responders" for conservation emergencies. This position manages a large endowment income which funds much of the Library's preservation efforts.

The Preservation Office and Lab is housed in Firestone Library, which is undergoing a 10 year long renovation project. The successful candidate will work with Preservation staff to define the space needs, as well as new practices and workflows that will comprehensively serve the preservation needs of the PUL system and its collections. This position will also coordinate preservation assessment efforts, whether systematic or ad hoc, and will make recommendations for long term preservation and access for collections in danger. Writes or assists with writing grant proposals for funding preservation projects of all types. Position will report to the Deputy University Librarian. 
Essential Qualifications Required: MLS degree from an ALA-accredited library program or equivalent experience. Strong library preservation experience or equivalent training/experience. Minimum 3 years of relevant professional experience. A candidate must have strong demonstrated leadership and supervisory skills, as well as organizational and planning skills, demonstrated analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in a complex, collaborative, and changing environment with diverse staff and users. He/she must have excellent communication skills, both written and oral. He/she must be knowledgeable of new technologies and strategies that affect the field of preservation. The candidate must have demonstrated experience managing an array of diversified projects as well as managing budgets, and must have a proven record in grant writing and fund-procurement, as well as familiarity with funding agencies for print, audio, video, and digital formats. 

Preferred Qualifications Preferred: Experience in preservation lab design. Basic knowledge of the history of the book, knowledge of current working tools of the Library, including software and bibliographic tools and standards. Knowledge of digital imaging systems and standards for various types of materials and experience in digital preservation of text, audio, and video files a definite plus.