Collections Care Assistant - Permanent Part Time

Title

Collections Care Assistant - Permanent Part Time

Division

Center for the History of Medicine and Public Health  

Mission

The New York Academy of Medicine advances the health of people in cities. An independent organization since 1847, NYAM addresses the health challenges facing the world's urban populations through interdisciplinary approaches to policy leadership, education, community engagement and innovative research.

Drawing on the expertise of diverse partners worldwide and more than 2,000 elected Fellows from across the professions, our current priorities are

• To create environments in cities that support healthy aging
• To strengthen systems that prevent disease and promote the public's health
• To implement interventions that eliminate health disparities

Summary and Description

The Gladys Brooks Book and Paper Conservation Laboratory seeks qualified candidates for the permanent, part-time position of Collections Care Assistant.  Under the general supervision of the Head of Conservation, the Collections Care Assistant will create protective enclosures; carry out minor stabilization treatments on collection materials; update and maintain collection-related spreadsheets and databases; participate in stack cleaning, maintenance and shifting efforts; assist in environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and response; and contribute to other Lab activities as needed. 

Center for the History of Medicine

The New York Academy of Medicine’s Center for the History of Medicine and Public Health promotes the scholarly and public understanding of the history of medicine and public health and the history of the book.  The Center aims to develop connections between an interdisciplinary community of scholars, educators, clinicians, curatorial and conservation professionals, and public audiences.  The Center is comprised of the main NYAM Library, the Rare Book and Historical Collections and the Gladys Brooks Book and Paper Conservation Laboratory.

The main NYAM Library opened its collections to the general public in 1878, and remains the only specialized research library in NYC offering access to medical and health information for members of the public. The Library has a collection that includes over 500,000 volumes, 275,000 portraits and illustrations and around 400,000 pamphlets.  The collection comprises primary and secondary materials in the history of medicine, public health, science and other health-related disciplines. The collection is supported by an extensive reference collection of medical bibliography, biography, biographical dictionaries, dictionaries and library catalogues, as well as books on the history of books and printing. 

The Rare Book and Historical Collections include a rare book collection of approximately 35,000 volumes, with manuscripts and archives dating from the 17th century B.C. to the present.  Books from the 17th and 18th centuries are a particular area of strength, as are materials related to the history of medicine in the City of New York.  The Historical Collections support a number of programs, including two residential fellowships and an annual lecture series.

The Gladys Brooks Book and Paper Conservation Laboratory was established in 1982 for the express purpose of caring for the NYAM collections.  In addition to its preservation and conservation mandate, the Lab also plays an important role in the training of future generations of conservators through its internship and volunteer programs and offers professional educational opportunities through a robust calendar of workshops and lectures.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Collections Care Assistant will:

• Create protective enclosures for library materials (both special and general collections) and medical artifacts, including four-flap wrappers, folders, cloth-covered drop-spine boxes, polyester encapsulations, etc.;
• Carry out minor stabilization treatments (such as mold removal, dry cleaning and page mends) as needed; 
• Update and maintain collection-related spreadsheets and databases using Microsoft Excel and Access;
• Assist in Lab maintenance, cleanliness and upkeep of tools and equipment;
• Participate in stack cleaning and maintenance projects;
• Assist in the preparation and move of materials in anticipation of and response to ongoing capital projects;
• Participate in environmental monitoring, disaster preparedness and response;
• Perform other related duties as assigned 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree;
• Aptitude for detailed handwork and excellent manual dexterity, as demonstrated by a portfolio;
• Knowledge of basic book handling practices, with demonstrated sensitivity to the handling of fragile and/or rare materials;
• Physical ability to undertake collection care duties such as moving books and materials weighing up to 40 lbs., operating lab machinery and working in sometimes dusty and moldy environments;
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to establish priorities and achieve goals;
• Demonstrated technology skills, including a proficiency with the Microsoft Office suite of word processing, spreadsheet and database applications;

Experience

• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in the field of library and archives conservation either through current or anticipated enrollment in a graduate conservation or library science program or experience in the field of bookbinding and/or book conservation;
• Experience working in a library, bindery and/or conservation lab preferred.

To Apply

Please email a resume and cover letter to hr@nyam.org. Please include “Collections Care Assistant"in subject line.

For more information, visit our website: www.nyam.org.

The New York Academy of Medicine is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.