Job Purpose

To use specialist book conservation skills and expertise in undertaking interventive conservation work on items from Archives & Special Collections.  This work will maximise access to collections while minimising impact and supporting their ongoing preservation.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To project manage and undertake the full range of specialist and complex interventive work in conserving rare and valuable books and codex manuscripts in consultation with the Head of Conservation & Preservation. This includes; rebinding, rebacking, resewing, board reattachments, spine repairs, board consolidation, text block repair to allow the safe display and future preservation of material from ASC collections.

2. To implement best practice in collection care by providing advice and full documentation (including photographs) of interventive treatments.  To maintain relevant data in accordance with departmental procedures enabling compilation of statistics for internal reporting and ensuring ongoing accessibility of documentation.

3. To use expertise in assessing and preparing rare book material for digitisation, loan, use in teaching, transport, exhibition and display, making recommendations for safe use and display and exercising creativity in providing solutions to challenges encountered.

4. To assist the Preservation Manager in delivering collection handling induction sessions for Library staff and users of collections, and in implementing other good practice initiatives to ensure the future preservation of ASC collections.

5. To contribute expert knowledge in the development and management of all ASC collections care-related policies, and programmes. Keep abreast of current developments within the field of paper and book conservation and maintain CPD.

6. To support the Library’s programme of student placements, overseeing and supervising placements as directed by the Head of Conservation &Preservation.

7. To develop effective working relationships with Library Collections colleagues, particularly with ASC Engagement Team and the University Photographic Unit, to enable efficient working processes and clear communication supporting delivery of services.

8. To promote the teaching and research value of ASC collections and encourage scholarly use of them, within the University and in the wider academic and public community, by contributing to various student engagement and public outreach activities (such as talks, production of blogs and other social media).

9. To support Library Collections’ and University’s wide-ranging activities; contributing to the delivery of services and the development of collections; responding constructively to ad hoc requests; and engaging with longer-term development and enhancement programmes.

10. To contribute to the enhancement of the University in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Either: ability to demonstrate the competencies required to undertake the duties associated with this level of post having acquired the necessary knowledge and skills through personal development and progression in a similar related role(s) Or: Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8, (Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 4, Higher National Diploma) or equivalent and experience of personal development in a similar role.

A2 Specialist in-depth knowledge and understanding of current practical book conservation treatment approaches Knowledge of early printed book and medieval manuscript codicology and structures.

A3 Knowledge of all Health and Safety requirements of a Conservation studio.

A4 Knowledge of appropriate IT applications (Microsoft Office 365 in particular).

Desirable:

B1 A recognised post-graduate qualification in a relevant conservation discipline.

B2 ICON Accredited membership of The Institute of Conservation, or evidence of working towards accreditation.

B3 Knowledge of the collections management system EMu.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven organisational skills with the ability to work on and prioritise multiple tasks simultaneously to agreed deadlines.

C2 Demonstrable analytical skills, with the ability to analyse a range of rare book and manuscript materials and use critical thinking and initiative to reach appropriate conclusions relating to their treatment.

C3 Specialist craft skills, a high degree of accuracy and proven manual dexterity in undertaking complex conservation benchwork.

C4 A high degree of motivation and the ability to work both alone and in and across teams to progress objectives.

C5 Effective interpersonal skills with ability to build effective professional working relationships.

C6 Close attention to detail and accuracy of data recording and documentation of activities.

C7 Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the particular ability to explain complex conservation approaches and co-ordinate across teams.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Significant practical experience post qualification in carrying out conservation on pre-1800 printed books and manuscripts.

E2 Experience of managing and delivering projects successfully to agreed deadlines.

E3 Demonstrable continuing engagement with development of current professional practice.

Desirable:

F1 Experience of working in a research library environment.

F2 Experience of supporting digitisation projects, undertaking conservation assessment and treatment of items, and supporting effective workflows across teams.

F3 Supervisory experience of managing professional staff, interns, or volunteer staff effectively.

F4 Experience of promoting conservation and preservation activities in creative and dynamic ways to a range of audiences.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,232 - £36,924 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and fixed term to cover maternity leave for up to 12 months or until the substantive post holder returns.

Please note: If you are a current employee of the University of Glasgow, please be advised that the University would consider an internal secondment opportunity for this post. University of Glasgow applicants should seek clearance for release for internal secondment from their line manager before making a formal application.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

Closing Date: 9 February 2025