You should submit a resume and a cover letter. Please upload both documents as one file through the U-M Careers website. To ensure full consideration, applications must include the following:

• The cover letter should describe your interest in the position and your experience directly relevant to the work of the position
• A resume / CV
• A list of three professional references, including their names, contact information, and your professional relationship
• If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to present an overview of treatment experience.

The Conservation Librarian is responsible for the conservation of bound books, maps, documents, and other materials in the library's special collections unit. The Conservation Librarian also coordinates with other conservation and library staff to support the care, use, and exhibition of special collections.

You will report directly to the Head of Conservation, who reports to the Director of Preservation Services, Physical Collections.

You may supervise temporary/hourly assistants and interns.

75% Conservation Treatment. Plan, document, and perform conservation treatments on materials held in the library's rare and special collections. Scope of expertise is bound books and works on paper, including prints, drawings, maps, and manuscripts, but may have related expertise in the conservation of photographic materials, documents on parchment or papyrus, or other library/archive materials. Examines and executes analytical tests on collection materials and helps inform curatorial staff and researchers on their physical makeup or the technology of production. Design and construct protective enclosures and exhibit supports. Document examinations and treatments in writing and by digital photography. Expertise is based on specialized training that leads to knowledge of the materials science and chemistry of paper and other writing materials; the history of binding, paper, printing, and manuscripts; and current conservation theory and practice.

15% Research, Outreach, and Service. Stay informed on current book and paper conservation issues and practices through professional reading, conferences, workshops, or similar activities, and share the acquired knowledge with colleagues. Contribute to the conservation field through service, research, writing, presentations, or teaching. Collaborate with colleagues within the department and across the library.

You may organize and present workshops in areas of expertise for the department, library, or external audiences. Engage in outreach to the campus, local, and regional cultural heritage community and serve as an expert resource. Answer conservation-related questions from library staff, the campus community, and the public; assist in tours of the lab.

10% Preservation Management. Work with curators in special collections to help preserve the collections and to select items for conservation treatment. Advise library staff on the condition of collections, collection storage, handling, and exhibition; perform on-site inspections, recommend appropriate action, and assist with their implementation. Conduct condition surveys of collections. Design and execute special conservation projects, including the conservation aspects of exhibits, digitization, and loan preparations. Help provide disaster recovery services for library materials.

You may train and manage the work of others, such as student assistants, interns, volunteers, or staff from other units, or on a project basis. Help the department develop standards, procedures, and the selection of materials used in the repair of both rare and non-rare library materials. Contribute to the maintenance of the conservation lab; prepare materials used for conservation; monitor supply needs; maintain specialized equipment and security for valuable library materials; and understand and follow safe laboratory practices.

In addition to a career filled with purpose and opportunity, The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package to help you stay well, protect yourself and your family, and plan for a secure future. Benefits include:

• Generous time off
• A retirement plan that provides two-for-one matching contributions with immediate vesting
• Many choices for comprehensive health insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability coverage
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses

• By your start date, you will have a master's degree in conservation with a focus on book and paper conservation, or an equivalent combination of advanced degree and relevant experience. Equivalent relevant experience must include education in all the following areas: science; history, art history, or related courses on material culture; studio arts or traditional crafts; and conservation experience, including treatment skills acquired working under the supervision of a conservator. If you have a combination of an advanced degree and experience, please provide specific details about your relevant coursework and training path in your resume and cover letter.  
• Knowledge of the materiality and technical history of books, paper, and related library materials. Understanding of relevant conservation theory and practice. Understanding and adherence to professional ethical practice in conservation.
• Experience executing multiple treatment techniques used in book and paper conservation, including an understanding of the risks and limitations. Highly developed manual dexterity and sensitivity to the unique visual, tactile, and mechanical qualities of books and paper-based materials.
• Experience examining and documenting the characteristics and condition of books and paper-based materials, written and photographic. Familiarity with technical examination techniques.
• Demonstrated understanding of the chemical and physical properties of materials, particularly those used to produce library materials, and the materials involved in their preservation. Training in the analytical methods relevant to book and paper conservation, and the ability to either perform analyses and/or meaningfully collaborate with a scientist.  
• Experience working as a part of a team in both individual and group settings, and contributing to the profession through service, teaching, research, and/or publishing.
• Computer skills: electronic communications, word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and photographic image processing.
• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, both oral and written.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

Work must be completed onsite in a book and paper laboratory and several library buildings. The position cannot be done remotely. This role moves and transports materials that weigh up to 40 pounds. The role follows established safety procedures for working with chemicals, mold, and light shop machinery.

Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change. Learn more about the work modes. This position is available only for onsite work.

Appointment is at the Assistant Librarian rank. The target salary range for the position is $62,000 to $68,000 per year for the Assistant Librarian rank. The salary offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the selected candidate. This appointment is subject to a contractual increase in 2025-26. This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between UM and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, on behalf of their Librarian, Archivist, and Curators bargaining unit of LEO-GLAM. The position has increased expectations regarding professional development, research, and service, keeping with the process for librarian promotion and advancement.

For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact libraryjobs@umich.edu.

It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination based on disability. Pursuant to the UM|LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing until shall designate an administrative contact ("Administrative designee") responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodation requests made by employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for the Library Collections department is Deb Jackson. They may be reached at 734-764-9529 or jacksda@umich.edu.

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

This job posting will be open for six weeks. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled at any time after the minimum posting period has ended. Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period and will continue until the position is filled. The successful candidate should be available to start employment by spring 2026.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.