Background: The Library of Congress is delighted to announce that the Trustees of The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation have approved a grant to the Library entitled "Assessing the Physical Condition of the National Collection" in the amount of $540,000.00. The grant will support the technical assessment of the condition of books in American research libraries and provide information to support shared print archive programs. The grant project is through the Scholarly Communication Program with a start date of 01/01/2019 for a duration of 40 months.
The project will measure the physical, chemical and optical characteristics of a selection of library materials across five large research libraries in distinct geographic regions of the United States. The same titles and editions will be compared across all five library collections to quantify and objectively assess the condition of these volumes to create a comparable and reliable decision-making method for retention, in order to avoid disposal of materials that may be crucial to a national preservation effort. The data will be used by librarians to determine the current comparative physical state of items and to discern nationwide issues about the condition of materials that will inform institutions about the potential risk of loss for preserving the printed corpus held within the country and help to guide the library community as it develops a national print archiving effort. The data collected in this project will offer a more robust knowledgebase for how materials naturally age and decompose, and will ultimately provide institutions with a stronger predictive model for evaluating good quality and poor quality copies of books. Job Description: The Library of Congress Preservation Research and Testing Division is seeking TWO Preservation Science Researchers to perform scientific testing on library materials for a project funded by the Mellon Foundation. The testing will assess the physical, chemical and optical properties of books from different institutions to determine their condition. The incumbent will work in the Preservation Research and Testing Division at the Library of Congress undertaking and managing the science portion of the grant in collaboration with the Project Director. The Preservation Science Researcher will be a researcher with expertise and a broad understanding of scientific practices and protocols. The researcher will undertake required chemical, physical and optical testing on paper-based materials and abide by all safety requirements. Data interpretation and management comprises a large component of this position. Qualifications: - A doctorate in a physical science such as chemistry, materials or forensic science, data science or related field, is required - Research or published writing that establishes expertise in the field is required - Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required - A high degree of organization, self-motivation, and great attention to detail - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members - The final candidate for this three-year term position will be required to successfully pass a background check. Statement of Work: The researcher will be required to undertake the required scientific analyses following specified test methodologies and procedures. Scientific testing will comprise a range of chemical, optical and mechanical test techniques, including but not limited to: - Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC) - Ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy - Near infrared spectroscopy - pH testing - Tensile test methods - An assessment of a variety of quick evaluation tests that could be objectively performed within libraries and heritage institutions The researcher will be required to analyze, organize, review, and report data and information to the PI. The researcher will be required, in collaboration with the PI, to undertake advanced data and statistical analysis of research results. Pay equivalent to a GS11-2. To apply: Please email cover letter detailing relevant experience and resume, including names of 3 referees to Dr. Fenella France email: frfr (at) loc.gov by COB February 25, 2019. ****** Unsubscribe by sending a message to [email protected] Searchable archives: http://cool.conservation-us.org/byform/mailing-lists/cdl/
