Conservation Technician I - Preservation Unit - San Francisco Public Library (3620)

The Conservation Technician I at the San Francisco Public Library is responsible for maintaining and conserving library materials, including books and special collections. Duties include evaluating materials, designing treatment plans, performing conservation treatments, preparing books for bindery, and documenting workflows. The role also involves maintaining the workspace, participating in disaster recovery, researching new methods, and training staff and interns. This is a full-time position located in San Francisco, CA.
Under general supervision, the 3620 Library Conservation Technician I maintains the circulating collection and performs conservation treatments on books and other library materials from the Library’s core collections, including the Library’s special collections and the City and County of San Francisco Archives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Evaluates the condition of materials from the library’s permanent and circulating collection including photographs, books, reference collections, and other materials;
• Designs an appropriate treatment plan in accordance with established best practices;
• Treats library’s permanent and circulating collections including photographs, books, reference collections, and other materials, according to the treatment plan;
• Prepares books for commercial bindery including, but not limited to photocopying and reattaching damaged/missing materials, reinforcing sewing, and tape removal;
• Performs photograph and paper conservation treatments including aqueous treatments and tape removal;
• Designs and makes a variety of custom-fit enclosures for fragile or unique materials;
• Documents workflow for each treatment performed on the Library’s special collections and City and County of San Francisco archives, and other materials as needed;
• Maintains the lab and workspace by keeping tools and equipment clean and in working condition;
• Participates in disaster recovery of materials; and may assist staff on how to proceed with emergency salvage of Library materials;
• Researches new methods and materials used for treatments based on professional industry standards;
• Provides assistance in training on basic treatment and conservation methods to staff and interns;
• Inputs and retrieves data information from a computer; and
• Answers inquiries from staff and makes appropriate referrals as needed.