Jobs

FAIC Kress Fellowship in Book and Paper Conservation at The Newberry Library

Listing Start Date: May 9, 2025Expires: June 30, 2025n

The Newberry Library is pleased to accept applications for a full-time, 12 month, fellowship awarded by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, administered by the Foundation for Advancement in Conservation. The Fellowship will begin in late August/early September, 2025.

The Newberry is an independent research library specializing in the humanities. It has been free and open to the public since its founding in 1887 and remains in its historic building in downtown Chicago. The Newberry’s encyclopedic collection comprises works from the first century CE to present, including bound volumes, maps, manuscripts, incunabula, printed ephemera, broadsides, photographs, and postcards. The Newberry connects researchers and visitors with its collection in its reading rooms and exhibition galleries, and through numerous public programs, and scholarly seminars each year.

The Kress Fellow will be afforded the opportunity to expand their knowledge of and experience caring for a variety of paper-based and parchment materials in the Newberry collection. They will be involved in the Conservation Department’s day-to-day responsibilities by carrying out in-depth examination and documentation of select collection items, preparing treatment proposals, and carrying out treatments. Additional experience may be gained through environmental monitoring, loan responsibilities and outreach. The Fellow will contribute to formal exhibitions, working closely with Conservation and Exhibition staff through the planning and implementing stages. They will also be encouraged to pursue research interests relating to their fellowship work or related area of interest.

In addition, the Fellow will have the unique opportunity to join the conservation staff in receiving professional training on a handheld Bruker XRF spectrometer at the Newberry. They will assist the Conservation Department in applying this training, developing a methodology for analysis, and implementing workflows for detecting arsenic and vermillion on bound items in the collection.

 

SUMMARY: Reporting to the Director of Conservation Services, the Kress Fellow performs treatment and rehousing of the Newberry’s collection materials and assists with exhibition related work. This role will begin in late August/early September 2025 and is term-limited to 12 months.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

  • In consultation with the Director, assesses collection materials for conservation and housing needs, which include books, archival documents, maps, paper and parchment manuscripts, photographs, and other materials;
  • Carries out in-depth examination, documentation. and treatment of collection items;
  • Advises on and creates housing for collection items;
  • Participates in exhibition activities including participating in planning meetings, advising on display and condition, carrying out treatment, and participating in installation and de-installation;
  • Assists with loan activities including carrying out treatment, preparing condition reports and serving as a courier;
  • Participates in implementing environmental and pest monitoring programs;
  • Participates in library activities, such as presenting relevant conservation research or work to our colloquium
  • Participates in tours of the department and other forms of outreach;
  • Conducts research relating to conservation treatment;
  • Performs other tasks or activities needed for the achievement of departmental goals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s degree from a recognized conservation program in the US or Canada with a certificate in book and paper conservation.
  • Excellent hand skills and understanding of conservation theory, practice, and treatments for library and archival materials including books, paper, maps, bound manuscripts on paper and parchment, and photographs.
  • Demonstrated ability to work independently, collaboratively, and productively in a dynamic environment.
  • Demonstrated record of continued education in the field.
  • Proficiency in using productivity software including spreadsheets and databases.
  • Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision and accuracy. Physical ability to stand for multiple hours per day and to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

SCHEDULE: This is a full-time, exempt position, working 35 hours per week, with normal hours generally from 9:00 AM-5:00 PM, Monday to Friday. This position has a start date in late August/early September 2025 and is term-limited to 12 months. The incumbent will work onsite.

COMPENSATION: $50,000.00

BENEFITS: For more information, please see the “What We Offer” section on the Newberry Careers page.

TO APPLY: Interested candidates should attach a cover letter and resume/CV, both as PDF documents, to their application in the Newberry Career Center. The Fellowship posting can be found here.