Conservator for Special Collections, Cornell University Library

The Opportunity: Reporting to the Head Conservator, the Conservator for Special Collections will determine and perform conservation assessment, treatment, and rehousing, make care and storage recommendations, and determine strategies for the preservation of the Library's bound materials in special collections, with the ability to work independently and with functional oversight of Conservation staff. In this role, you'll coordinate and manage treatment and preparation of bound materials prioritized for instruction, digitization, and exhibition by Rare and Manuscript Collections, the Kheel Center for Labor- Management Documentation & Archives, and other Library special collections. You will collaborate with key stakeholders on a variety of projects, including but not limited to treatment and housing projects, exhibitions/loans, digitization projects, outreach and engagement. You'll have the opportunity to research new methods, developments, skills, and needs for managing the preservation of bound special collections at the Library, and to develop and deliver instruction and training in subject specialization and in new and emerging areas.

We are seeking candidates who recognize that the use and value of objects from different regions, cultures, and religions vary, and who will be sensitive to these issues when determining treatment decisions and handling. You will identify where gaps in understanding of these differences may exist, and you'll help us bridge these gaps through engaging in activities such as readings, discussion, workshops, and classes.

As a Research, Teaching, and Extension (RTE) faculty member, the Conservator for Special Collections will engage in service, scholarship, and ongoing professional development to meet the requirements of promotion and reappointment at Cornell University Library.

Work Location: This position is located in Ithaca, New York. You will typically work on the Ithaca campus 5 days per week, with occasional remote work possible.

Candidate Profile:

• Master's degree in conservation; or a master's degree in library science or a related field and a minimum of 2 years of conservation work experience in library, archives, museum and/or other institution.
• Intermediate book conservation knowledge and experience, including leather; intermediate knowledge of the materiality and technical history of library and archives collection materials; excellent understanding of conservation theory and practice.
• Ability to work in variable working conditions including close attention to detail, careful use of equipment, and wearing protective gear when needed. Ability to work standing up for extended periods of time and lift heavy objects. Ability to pass work-related safety training, including respiratory protection and a fit test.
• Creative and flexible problem-solving skills; excellent interpersonal skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities; excellent time and workflow management.
• Ability to consistently demonstrate effective collaboration, teamwork, and inclusive approaches to work; modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.

Additionally, we would prefer applicants who have:

• Master's degree in library, archives, or book conservation
• Advanced progression in independence, complexity, and mastery of conservation tasks.
• Intellectual curiosity about conservation as a practice, including strategies, skills, and collections management.

About the Conservation Lab: The Conservation Lab directly supports the mission of Cornell University and the Library in the preservation and dissemination of information. The Conservation Lab is responsible for preserving and protecting the Library's physical collections, with priority given to rare and special collections.

Conservation Lab staff have deep experience and knowledge of the preservation of a variety of collection formats, utilize nationally accepted specialized materials, and employ national best practices, techniques, and methods to preserve and protect the Library's physical collections for today's scholars and future generations. Conservators and conservation associates treat bound materials, paper-based collections, photographic collections, artifacts, and some textiles to stabilize condition concerns and to maintain historical, evidentiary, aesthetic, and research value.

Our Vision: Empowering Cornell's research and learning community with deep expertise, innovative services, and outstanding collections strengthened by strategic partnerships.

Our Mission: Cornell University Library promotes a culture of broad inquiry and supports the University's mission to discover, preserve, and disseminate knowledge and creative expression. It engages with the ongoing transformations of society to deliver world-class physical and digital content and services critical to research, education, and outreach, now and in the future. The Library acts globally, supporting Cornell's land grant mission in New York State and beyond, and builds partnerships within and outside the university. It invests in its staff, collections, and physical and virtual libraries. And, it serves as a neutral and trusted party supporting information access and scholarly communication.

Cornell University Core Values: As a university founded to be a place where "...any person can find instruction in any study," inclusion is at the core of our values and mission. We strive to be a welcoming, caring, healthy, and equitable community where students, faculty, and staff with different backgrounds, perspectives, abilities, and experiences can learn, innovate, and work in an environment of respect, and feel empowered to engage in any community conversation. As a member of the Cornell University community, it is important to recognize our shared responsibility to each other to cultivate a culture of inclusion for all. Cornell Core values

Benefits:Our comprehensive benefits package includes 22 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, health insurance, life insurance, university retirement contributions, childcare and adoption assistance, and child tuition reimbursement. Funding is available to support professional training and research. More information regarding Cornell's generous contract college benefits can be found at https://hr.cornell.edu/understand-your-benefits .

We are seeking to fill this position at the academic rank of Assistant Librarian. The anticipated salary range is $66,000-$72,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Based on Cornell's internal librarian ranking structure, an Assistant Librarian would typically include individuals who have up to three years of relevant experience in a professional librarian appointment. Candidates who have relevant conservation experience in a professional setting and who have completed their advanced degree by September 1, 2025 are encouraged to apply.

Relocation assistance may be provided.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

How to Apply: All candidates must apply online via the Cornell Careers site. For full consideration, please include the following with your application:

• A cover letter that addresses your interest and why you are a good candidate for this position. We are interested in learning about your academic and professional conservation experience;
• A Curriculum Vitae. Including a link to your online portfolio, which showcases your knowledge and experience with preserving bound materials, is encouraged.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until a viable pool of applicants is identified; early submission is strongly encouraged. Although we prefer to receive your application as one, multi-page pdf document, we will accept multiple documents in other formats.

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