Head of Preservation and Conservation Services

Description

POSITION:           The Head of Preservation and Conservation Services

AVAILABLE:        July 1, 2022

INFO SESSION:  May 23, 2022 (11 am – 12 pm EST)   Zoom link  https://unc.zoom.us/j/96761190387

The Head of Preservation and Conservation Services will oversee a new unit that brings together the general collection’s preservation and materials processing program, the special collections conservation program, and digital preservation activities that support the University Libraries and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Reporting to the Associate University Librarian for Special Collections and Director of Wilson Library, the Head of Preservation and Conservation Services will lead and mentor a highly motivated team of seven full-time employees, oversee all aspects of departmental operations, set the department’s strategic direction, seek opportunities for external funding, and represent the Libraries on issues related to collections care on the University campus, within the state of North Carolina, and to national organizations.

As charged by the “The University Libraries’ Role in Reckoning with Systemic Racism and Oppression,” staff at the University Libraries are undertaking initiatives to interrogate and repair the legacy systems that perpetuate oppressive structures and to create new systems that advance racial and social equity and justice in our spaces, collections, programs, and services. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate commitment to this work in their professional practice.

The University Libraries aspires to set the standard for public university research libraries in the digital age.

As one of the premier libraries in the South, we are an essential partner in the research, education, clinical care, and public service missions of UNC-Chapel Hill. The library system includes 10 on-campus Libraries, with nearly 10 million volumes, rich archival collections, and a growing investment in digital collections.

We are creating a community that is inclusive, open, and equitable for all. The University Libraries’ Reckoning Initiative uses equity, inclusion, and social justice as a lens for all our work. Our Sustainable Scholarship Initiative seeks to transform scholarly publishing and democratize access to scholarship for the public good.

The University Libraries is committed to increasing the diversity of its staff and welcomes applications from candidates who bring additional dimensions to our mission and work. We strive to create an environment of respect and collaboration where vision and innovation can flourish.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

ALA-accredited master’s degree in library or information science or equivalent relevant degree.

Minimum of five years’ professional work experience and evidence of achievement in professional activities.

Understanding of and experience with preservation and conservation best practices, operations, and activities employed across the diverse collections of a comprehensive research library.

Experience supervising, coaching, and mentoring volunteers, students, interns, or staff.

Demonstrated leadership and project management skills.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility

 Preferred

Demonstrated understanding of the mission of a research university and the mission and functions of a large research library.

Demonstrated experience identifying and setting preservation priorities in collaboration with collections stakeholders and library leadership.

Knowledge of new technologies and strategies affecting preservation.

Knowledge of and experience in digital preservation and/or audiovisual materials preservation.

Knowledge of building systems and the interactions between environmental conditions and collections

The University and The Libraries
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the country’s oldest state university. UNC-Chapel Hill has an enrollment of approximately 29,000 students, employs more than 3,500 members of the faculty, and offers sixty-nine doctoral degrees as well as professional degrees in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy and law. The UNC Health Sciences Library is part of the University Libraries and is a recognized leader within the Association of Academic Health Science Libraries. University Library collections include over 9.7 million volumes. The library is a member of the Association of Research Libraries and the Center for Research Libraries. Together with the libraries at Duke University, North Carolina Central University, and North Carolina State University, the members of the Triangle Research Libraries Network (TRLN) provide services and collections to their students, faculty, and staff in support of the education, research, and service missions of the universities.

The University Libraries are committed to increasing the diversity of its staff, and therefore welcomes applications from candidates who bring additional dimensions to our mission and work. The University Libraries invest proudly in our employees, strive to create a diverse environment of respect and collaboration, and encourage vision and innovation.

The Region
The Triangle region is one of the most desirable places to live and work in North America and offers its residents a wide array of recreational, cultural, and intellectual activities. The mountains and the seashore are less than half day’s drive from Chapel Hill.

Salary and Benefits
This is a twelve-month academic librarian appointment. Standard state benefits of annual leave, sick leave, and State or optional retirement plan. The salary range for the Head of Preservation and Conservation Services position begins at $69,900. The University Libraries intends to hire at a minimum of $85,000, with salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.

To Apply
Please visit https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/229423 and complete the online application. Please include a letter of application, a resume and the name, mailing address, email address, and telephone number of three professional references, one of whom must be a current supervisor.

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes all to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.