Position Overview

The Collections Care Manager provides leadership in the ongoing development and implementation of the Boston Public Library’s preservation and conservation program in support of its world-class collections. Participates in all aspects of collection life-cycle management, including investigation of new strategies and technologies to address the library’s challenges to long-term preservation and access to collections, preparation of guidelines for the care and handling of library material, and creation and oversight of emergency response plans. Responsible for oversight of the preservation and conservation staff.

Reports to

Assistant Director of Research Collections

Supervises

Staff as assigned

• Assumes a leadership role in managing preservation activities.
• In partnership with special and research collections colleagues and related stakeholders, develops, prioritizes, and executes strategic initiatives to safeguard the Library’s special and research collections, in both on-site and off-site storage facilities.
• Manages operational budgets for collections care materials and activities.
• Coordinates a wide variety of collections care activities across the institution, including conservation of materials both in-house and through vendors, digitization preparation, emergency response and recovery, collections security, and exhibit preparation.
• Collaborates with staff in facilities, security, events, visitor services, and related stakeholders to manage preservation and conservation of collections in public-facing spaces.
• Represents the Library for capital and other projects impacting the preservation of research and special collections.
• Analyzes and interprets data related to collections care activities, such as environmental data and pest data, and provides recommendations for management or mitigation of any identified issues.
• Creates and implements an emergency response and recovery plan for the Library’s collections, coordinates recovery procedures, and develops training programs for library response teams.
• Evaluates and refine institutional policies and procedures as they apply to preservation and conservation and recommends and implements changes as needed.
• Works closely with curators, department heads, and related stakeholders to understand staff and patron needs and align preservation and conservation activities with curatorial and institutional goals for access.
• In collaboration with appropriate staff, develops and implements staff education and training programs for the safe handling of research and special collections materials.
• Builds and fosters productive partnerships with peer libraries, other non-profits, and the commercial sector to address preservation challenges.
• Stays abreast of emerging strategies for collections care and management and assists in evaluating, recommending, and incorporating strategies and technologies impacting preservation and conservation.
• Represents Library at local and national conferences as assigned.
• Performs other related and comparable duties as assigned.

• Education-Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science or an advanced degree related to collections care. Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required. In exceptional instances, specialized education, training, and/or experience may be substituted for a part or all of the educational requirements.
• Experience-Demonstrated seven (7) years of professional experience with a minimum of two (2) years of professional working experience in the preservation of archives and special collections. Two (2) years of supervisory and/or management experience required. Experience working with large and diverse collections across locations is desirable.
• Demonstrated interest in developing and managing teams.
• Experience with a wide range of preservation principles and practices, management principles and techniques, library physical environments, programs, and procedures.
• Proven familiarity with current preservation strategies and standards for the care, handling, and storage of collections.
• Ability to work independently and collegially with a wide range of staff and in team environments.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Demonstrated ability to think flexibly and adapt as new information is encountered.
• Demonstrated experience with project management and strong analytical skills and problem-solving abilities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Ability to execute library policy.

Requirements - May be required to work non-standard hours in emergency situations.

CORI - Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Terms:

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-5

Hours per week: 35