3620-Conservation Technician I

Job description

CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES

Title: Library Conservation Technician I

Job Code: 3620

DEFINITION

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.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES

Class 3620 Library Conservation Technician I is distinguished from class 3621 Library Conser-vation Technician II in that the former performs book repair and conservation treatments on library materials, whereas the latter supervises the Library Preservation Unit and subordinate personnel.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

EXAMPLES OF IMPORTANT AND ESSENTIAL DUTIES

According to Civil Service Commission Rule 109, the duties specified below are representative of the range of duties assigned to this job code/class and are not intended to be an inclusive list.

1. Evaluates the condition of materials from the library�s permanent and circulating collection including photographs, books, reference collections, and other materials.

2. Designs an appropriate treatment plan in accordance with established best practices.

3. Treats library�s permanent and circulating collections including photographs, books, reference collections, and other materials, according to the treatment plan.

4. Prepares books for commercial bindery including, but not limited to photocopying and reattaching damaged/missing materials, reinforcing sewing, and tape removal.

5. Performs photograph and paper conservation treatments including aqueous treatments and tape removal.

6. Designs and makes a variety of custom-fit enclosures for fragile or unique materials.

7. 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.

8. Maintains the lab and work space by keeping tools and equipment clean and in working condition.

9. Participates in disaster recovery of materials; and may assist staff on how to proceed with emergency salvage of Library materials.

10. Researches new methods and materials used for treatments based on professional industry standards.

11. Provides assistance in training on basic treatment and conservation methods to staff and interns.

12. Inputs and retrieves data information from a computer.

13. Answers inquiries from staff and makes appropriate referrals as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of: library systems and terminology; the role of the public library in the community; conservation principles and established best practices; the purpose, use and care of the tools and materials used in book and paper conservation; methods and procedures used to repair and conserve paper, books, and other printed materials; proper handling of papers and storage of books, maps, sheet music, photographs, and other related objects; working knowledge of book and paper conservation chemistry including usage of adhesives and solvents, potential chemical responses, and harmful irritants.

Ability and Skill to: follow oral and written instructions; give attention to detail and accuracy; perform exacting hand work; safely operate specialized tools and equipment; work independently and exercise initiative and judgement in implementing and carrying out treatments and lab functions; recognize historical and cultural value of books and other library items; learn historical book structures; manage time and prioritize projects; communicate effectively orally and in writing; interact courteously and diplomatically with others; lift and move material weighing up to 30 lbs.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

These minimum qualifications establish the education, training, experience, special skills and/or license(s) which are required for employment in the classification. Please note, additional qualifications (i.e., special conditions) may apply to a particular position and will be stated on the exam/job announcement.

Education:

Experience:

Two (2) years of experience in the conservation of library books and paper.

Substitution:

Completion of a formal book binding or conservation program may substitute for two (2) years of the required experience.

Possession of an Associate�s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in Library Information Technology may substitute for up to one (1) year of the required experience.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

Demands extended periods of focus and concentration on each task. Exposure to chemicals and potentially hazardous tools and equipment.

PROMOTIVE LINES

To: 3621 Library Conservation Technician II

ORIGINATION DATE: 10/02/2019

AMENDED DATE:

REASON FOR AMENDMENT

To accurately reflect the current tasks, knowledge, skills & abilities, and minimum qualifications.

BUSINESS UNIT(S): COMMN

Standard information

Disaster service work

All City and County of San Francisco employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). Employment with the City requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

Historic and future compensation