UAB Libraries-Open Rank (Preservation Librarian)-Reynolds-Finley Historical Library

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Portal•Birmingham, AL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preservation Librarian is a faculty position (non-tenure, 12-month appointment) within the Historical Collections Division of University Libraries at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Reporting to the Curator of the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library, this role provides strategic leadership and hands-on direction for a comprehensive preservation program for the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library to ensure long-term access to collections. This includes preventive care, such as environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, and stacks maintenance; conservation and repair of materials; digitization coordination; and digital preservation policy and practice. The Preservation Librarian assists with exhibition development as well as researchers and class visits to ensure proper handling of materials. Additionally, the Preservation Librarian will provide preservation support to the general collections of UAB Libraries as needed. The Reynolds-Finley Historical Library is a collection of rare books, manuscripts, pamphlets, and journals pertaining to the history of medicine, science, and health care dating from the 1300s through the mid-1900s. It holds significant items such as eight medieval and Renaissance manuscripts, 32 incunabula, and letters from notable figures like Florence Nightingale and Louis Pasteur. The library also houses discrete collections in specialized areas like Civil War medicine and African Americans in medicine. The Reynolds-Finley is part of Historical Collections at UAB Libraries, which also includes the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences and UAB Archives. Together, these units manage the Dennis G. Pappas Historical Collections Gallery, offering nearly 3,000 square feet of exhibition space. UAB Libraries' facilities include the Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences, where Historical Collections units are located, Mervyn H. Sterne Library, Lister Hill Library at University Hospital, Sparks Medical Library in Huntsville, and an off-site storage facility.

Requirements

Accredited master’s degree in library or information science, conservation, museum or archival studies, or other related advanced degree.
Experience applying current principles and practices in preservation, including managing preventive care of collections, environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, handling/storage standards, and stacks maintenance.
Experience in policy development related to preservation issues in libraries.
Ability to function in a team environment and as an individual contributor.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to lift and move boxes weighing up to 40 pounds and to retrieve material from shelving units.

Nice To Haves

Digital preservation policy/tools experience; digitization/reformatting workflows.
Ability to perform and supervise conservation treatments for books and paper materials.
Bench skills in conservation (bindings, enclosures, exhibit prep) and lab management; American Institute for Conservation membership or post-graduate conservation training.
Demonstrated ability to manage and complete projects in a timely manner.

Responsibilities

Create and maintain preservation policies, priorities, and workflows for multi-format collections.
Lead and/or represent preservation conversations on committees and working groups.
Address preservation issues that arise within the UAB Libraries general collections, including providing staff training and consultation on preservation issues.
Coordinate preservation activities with the Alabama Museum of the Health Sciences and UAB Archives.
Manage environmental monitoring (temp/RH, light/UV), IPM, stacks maintenance, and storage/handling standards.
Advise on space planning for RFHL and Historical Collections.
Lead disaster preparedness and emergency response training/recovery for RFHL; coordinate across units and, when relevant, regional partners.
Create condition reports for rare materials.
Perform or direct book/paper treatments, including binding repairs, creating boxes and other enclosures, and preparing items for exhibition.
Maintain documentation of conservation work completed.
May supervise and mentor staff, students, and interns.
Collect statistics and deliver internal/external reports.
Deliver staff and patron training on proper materials handling.
Develop awareness programs for all Libraries staff on preservation issues.
Assist with reference services to researchers, faculty, students, and the public, both in person and remotely, when requested by the Curator.
Enforce reading room policies and materials handling policies in accordance with security and preservation standards.
Assist with instructional sessions for classes visiting the Reynolds-Finley Historical Library, when requested.
Participate in outreach activities, including exhibitions, presentations, tours, and events that promote collections and services.
Work collaboratively with librarians, archivists, and staff across the library to support shared goals and initiatives.
Stay informed of trends and best practices in rare books librarianship and preservation.
Actively participate in professional development and scholarship opportunities leading to presentations and publications.
Participate in service activities as appropriate.