Job Description

Book And Paper Conservator For Exhibitions

The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, seeks a skilled Book and Paper Conservator for Exhibitions (Conservator) to join its collaborative Conservation and Preservation team. This individual, under the direction of the Head of Conservation and Preservation, is responsible for performing conservation treatments on bound and unbound library and archival materials for exhibition-related activities in the collections held by the Folger.

As the main point of contact between the Exhibition department and the Conservation and Preservation department, the Conservator works closely with colleagues, members of the Collection Care and Development group, and Curatorial staff to outline appropriate treatment approaches, establish timelines, and document ongoing projects. The Conservator prioritizes and combines support for both exhibitions and collection care, playing a key role in ensuring the preservation of all collection materials both prior to, during, and after exhibitions.

The successful candidate will have significant hands-on experience in book and paper conservation, with a strong foundation in the history and structure of books and archival materials. They will bring proven experience in exhibition preparation and installation, including the ability to confidently make decisions as part of an installation team. They should demonstrate highly refined manual skills and sound judgement concerning conservation treatment and exhibition display. The Conservator must demonstrate flexibility, patience, and strong collaboration skills to thrive in a small, dynamic team environment. An ideal candidate will also bring creativity and confidence in engaging with audiences through supporting public programming and social media content related to conservation and exhibitions.

The standard schedule for this role is Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm. Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required for special projects. This position is onsite. The selected candidate will need to be within a commutable distance to the D.C. office (DC, MD, VA) by their start date.

Health & safety: The health and well-being of all staff, contractors, and visitors is our top priority. While the Folger no longer requires masks or vaccinations (except for AEA spaces), we support and encourage individuals to take the safety precautions they are most comfortable with, and we ask that individual choices are respected. The Folger offers organization-funded healthcare plans for full-time staff and extensive leave options to all staff in the case of any health issues that arise.

Compensation: This is a semi-monthly-paid salary position, with a pay range of $72,000-75,000. Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual and a generous 403b contribution and match.

Duties: Exhibition Support and Liaison

• Serves as primary liaison between the Conservation and Preservation Department and the Exhibition Department, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration.
• Advises curators and exhibition staff regarding the selection, preservation, and display of collection items.
• Acts as point of contact in exhibition installation, supporting safe handling and decision-making in real time to guarantee proper care of materials.
• Creates high-end display mounts for a variety of collection items.

Collections Care and Conservation

• Evaluates condition and care of items being considered for exhibition and designs treatment proposals, ensuring conservation standards are maintained.
• Identifies treatment needs, develops and implements workflows, creates appropriate timelines and display priorities to meet exhibition deadlines.
• Performs highly complex conservation treatments on a wide range of bound and unbound materials, including early printed books, manuscripts, parchment, and works on paper for exhibition purposes. Assist with collections-related conservation work when exhibition needs allow.
• Presents treatment proposals to Conservation and Curatorial teams for approval.
• Completes written and photographic documentation of the object's condition during all treatment stages in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Contributes to preventive preservation programs, such as environmental monitoring, pest management, collections security, and disaster response and recovery as needed.
• Prepares items for outgoing loans, including condition documentation, packing pieces for travel, and courier responsibilities.
• Participates in developing and maintaining loan policies and may serve on the Folger Loan Committee.

Collaboration and Outreach

• Contributes to communal projects and goals within the Collection Care and Development team.
• Assists in the administration and organization of the Conservation Lab.
• Provides training and supervision for conservation technicians and interns as needed.
• Participates in educating staff, researchers, and the wider public on matters related to conservation and preservation.
• Supports Folger programming by presenting conservation and exhibition content through talks, public programs, demonstrations, or digital/social media platforms, as requested.
• Stays current with developments in the field of book and paper conservation and exhibitions.
• Additional conservation and exhibition-related functions and duties as assigned.
• Engages in appropriate professional development, continuing education, professional service, and research activities.

Education and Experience: Master's degree in Conservation, or at least 5 years of recent, relevant experience in book and paper conservation, including equivalent training, is required. Hands-on specialized conservation practice in a library or archival environment, with an emphasis on conservation treatments and preservation practices as applied to book, paper, and parchment conservation is required. Experience in exhibition preparation and installation is required. Solid experience and competency in advanced technical equipment related to conservation documentation, such as computer database applications, and the photographic equipment required for transmitted, UV, and IR imaging.

Skills and Knowledge: A thorough understanding of the history and structure of books and their displays is required. Must have a solid foundation in the historical and modern manufacturing processes for materials commonly found in libraries, including but not limited to leather, parchment, paper, and printing and writing media. Solid understanding of materials utilized in both conservation and exhibition display contexts as well as sound knowledge of organic chemistry and material science is required. Solid understanding of environmental requirements, including temperature, humidity, and light exposure, in galleries and storage spaces. Interest in sustainability practices as applied to conservation and exhibition contexts desired. Commitment to safe practices in the conservation lab and exhibition installation environments. Knowledge of scientific research and analytical testing is beneficial. Ability to clearly and confidently explain conservation and exhibition practices to both colleagues and the public. Strong oral and written communication skills. Strong interpersonal skills, with a mindset focused on flexibility, patience, and collaboration. Excellent project management, time management, and organizational skills. Familiarity with digital tools such as Outlook, Excel, Word, Airtable, FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements: This job operates in a professional conservation lab environment. The employee may be exposed to various components of a lab environment, such as fluorescent and LED lighting, recycled air, cooling fans, semi-enclosed areas, and central HVAC system. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. Normal work week is Monday-Friday, 8:45am-4:45pm. Ability to work varying and additional hours as project demands arise (including evenings and weekends as needed). Open working environment; noise levels are low to moderate, and include sound from vacuum table, vacuum cleaner, fume hoods, and colleagues speaking via phone or videoconferencing. Ability to lift up to 40lbs unaided. Use of chemicals according to OSHA requirements. Capacity to communicate, in person or using video, phone, or electronic communication methods, in a manner which can be understood by others. Occasional travel; this individual serves as a courier.

Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please.

The Folger is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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