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Library Conservation Jobs in New York (NOW HIRING)

New York Aquarium

Project Archivist

New York, NY · Hybrid

$75K/yr

... WCS Library and Archives staff, the Project Archivist will help transform previously inaccessible collections into discoverable, publicly accessible research resources that inform conservation ...

Barnard College

Archives Graduate Fellow

New York, NY · On-site

$33/hr

Processing and describing archival collections using appraisal, basic conservation, and ... While employed at Barnard, participants will be given access to the Library's resources. The ...

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Library Conservation information

What is library conservation?

Library conservation is the practice of preserving and protecting books, manuscripts, and other library materials from damage or deterioration. Conservation involves assessing the condition of items, repairing physical damage, and implementing measures to prevent future harm, such as controlling the environment and handling procedures. The goal is to extend the lifespan of valuable or rare materials so that future generations can access and study them.

What are some common challenges faced in a library conservation role, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Library Conservation often encounter challenges such as handling fragile or deteriorating materials, prioritizing preservation needs with limited resources, and keeping up with advances in conservation techniques. Addressing these challenges involves continuous professional development, effective collaboration with librarians and archivists, and strategic planning to balance immediate treatment needs with preventive conservation. Building strong communication skills and staying current with industry best practices also help ensure the long-term preservation of collections.

What is the difference between Library Conservation vs Book Restoration?

AspectLibrary ConservationBook Restoration
CredentialsConservation certifications, preservation trainingConservation certifications, specialized restoration skills
Work EnvironmentLibraries, archives, museumsRestoration workshops, conservation labs
Industry UsagePreserving library collections for long-term accessRepairing and restoring damaged books to original condition

Library Conservation focuses on preserving and maintaining library collections through preventive measures and minimal intervention, ensuring long-term access. Book Restoration involves repairing and restoring damaged books to their original state, often after deterioration or damage. While both roles require conservation skills and work in similar environments, their primary goals differ: preservation versus repair.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in library conservation, and why are they important?

To thrive in Library Conservation, you need expertise in materials science, bookbinding, paper conservation techniques, and a relevant degree in conservation or library science. Familiarity with specialized conservation tools, environmental monitoring equipment, and digital cataloging systems is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills help conservators assess item condition and collaborate effectively with colleagues. These skills are critical to preserving valuable collections, ensuring long-term access, and maintaining the integrity of library resources.
What are popular job titles related to Library Conservation jobs in New York? For Library Conservation jobs in New York, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Conservation jobs in New York look for? The top searched job categories for Library Conservation jobs in New York are:
What cities in New York are hiring for Library Conservation jobs? Cities in New York with the most Library Conservation job openings:
Library Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Conservation job openings in New York as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, and 12% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Collection Manager, Library Services Center

The New York Public Library

Long Island City, NY • On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

New York Public Library rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 21 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Collection Manager, Library Services Center
Application Deadline: 24 August 2026
Department: Collections
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Library Services Center
Reporting To: Rebecca Fifield
Compensation: $80,000 - $85,000 / year
Description
Job Summary
For more than 125 years, The New York Public Library (NYPL) has been an essential provider of books, information, ideas, and education. With collections numbering more than 56 million items and serving more than 16 million patrons in person each year and millions more online, NYPL's reach is both local and global. Our mission is to inspire lifelong learning, advance knowledge, and strengthen our communities.
At our world-class research centers-including the Humanities and Social Sciences Research Library at the Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, the Library for the Performing Arts, and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture-expert staff facilitate the work of our diverse communities, offering inspiring reading rooms, programs, exhibitions, fellowships, and a dynamic range of research services. Their work is supported by dedicated staff on the Collections and Research Services teams. We are proud to be the most public and widely used research library in the world.
Collections and Research Services encompasses several departments focused on managing the ongoing development of our exceptional research collections, advancing unified discovery and expanding access, both in-person and online, and ensuring stewardship of the collections at every stage of their lifecycle.
The Library Services Center (LSC) Collection Manager, based at the NYPL's technical services facility in Long Island City, Queens, arranges special collections acquisition logistics, working with NYPL staff, dealers, donors, and shippers to manage packing and shipping projects and addresses any preservation issues in received materials. The position oversees collection care, control, and storage for materials stored at LSC during processing, treatment, and digitization, leading preventive conservation activities and working closely with Facilities staff to protect collections and remediate issues. The Collection Manager coordinates with research center collection managers and others to transfer collections to research centers and offsite storage facilities.
Some expectations for this role are that within:
1 month, this person will:
  • Become familiar with all LSC spaces and departments
  • Establish working partnerships with Special Collections Processing Services and other Collections & Research units, Curatorial units, Procurement, Facilities and other staff
  • Become familiar with current acquisitions projects and learn all NYPL Procurement processes to assume site visits, packing, and shipping soon after onboarding
  • Oversee all transfers of processed collections to storage in research centers and offsite storage

3 months, this person will:
  • Be fully responsible for all special collections acquisition logistics, including site visits, packing planning, procurement, and preservation interventions
  • Conduct monthly LSC Collection Manager and Facilities meeting to address environmental issues

6 months and beyond, this person will:
  • Collaborate with Senior Manager, Special Collections Acquisitions and Manager, Archival Accessioning to align acquisitions, logistics, and accessioning workflows
  • Begin collaborations with Facilities to address prioritized environmental improvements
  • Identify locations within LSC where storage can be improved

Responsibilities
  • Manages special collections acquisitions logistics for multiple projects simultaneously, overseeing preservation and custody control, collaborating closely with the Senior Manager, Special Collections Acquisitions and the Manager, Archival Accessioning. Conducts site visits, develops plan, requests quotes, arranges POs, and manages packing and shipping services for acquisitions ranging from small local pick-ups to large high-profile collections from domestic and international sites
  • Collaborates with and teaches cross-functional partners regarding preservation issues in new acquisitions and guides decision-making around potential remediation strategies prior to processing
  • Oversees appropriate storage, movement, and tracking of special collections materials at LSC, supporting collection security and project management
  • Manages transfer of materials to research centers and offsite storage post-processing. Collaborates with various partners including other Collection Managers, Conservation, and Special Collections Processing Services to affirm newly housed and processed material before it is delivered to the research centers. Ensures all collection material is adequately documented and tracked in accordance with internal standards
  • Deploys specialized preventive conservation knowledge and liaises with Facilities, Security, and Capital Planning staff to maintain an appropriate environment for special collections
  • Coordinates collections emergency preparedness activities at LSC, serves on the cross-center collection emergency response team and leads that team when required
  • Performs other related duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills
Required Education & Certifications
  • ALA-accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Science, or Master's degree in Museum Studies, Arts Administration, or other Master's degree in the arts or humanities

Required Experience
  • 5+ years experience in archives management or registration in an acquisitions context and applying preventive conservation or collections care principles for a range of collection materials
  • Project management experience related to cultural heritage collections shipping, remediation, and storage projects, including a working knowledge of shippers, budgets, customs requirements, permits, domestic and international shipping
  • Excellent customer service, professional verbal and written communication and extensive experience working with donors and dealers

Required Skills
  • Familiarity with professional standards, laws and regulations, and best practices in archival and special collections materials
  • Knowledge of a wide range of special collections formats, including archives, rare books, audio and visual media, framed works, and 3-D objects, and their related preservation issues, including handling, packing, shipping, and storage
  • Knowledge of packing methods and materials. Must be able to assess and articulate risks associated with different methods and direct vendors on packing strategies
  • Familiarity with collection storeroom management and capacity planning
  • Can apply a variety of descriptive, project management, and financial systems to manage and participate in collaborative projects, including Sierra, ArchivesSpace, Airtable, Trello, Workday, and others
  • Can apply preventive conservation knowledge and conduct research to address preservation issues in collection storage and workspaces in an active collections work facility
  • Attention to detail and excellent verbal and written communications, including experience working with donors

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
  • N/A

More...
Core ValuesAll team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:
  • Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
  • Be Resourceful in solving problems
  • Be Curious in all aspects of your work
  • Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment
  • This role works most often in a specialized office environment which accommodates desk work and collections handling, with some work taking place in exhibition galleries, storerooms, reading rooms, and loading docks
  • This role also travels to donor homes, storage facilities, and other locations to pack collections. These may include basements, attics, and outbuildings

Physical Duties
  • Must travel to four research library sites and to donor homes and warehouses in the NYC metropolitan area. Some additional travel outside the NYC area may be required
  • Position involves reasonable exposure to dust
  • Ability to transport 30 pounds (record cartons filled with paper and other material) repeatedly from floor to shelf/cart
  • Ascend/descend ladders simultaneously
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No
Union/Non Union
Non-Union
FLSA StatusExempt
Schedule
  • 35 hours a week, 9-5 M-F, onsite

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.
The New York Public Library Salary Statement
At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.
Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

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About New York Public Library

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The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations--including research and branch libraries--throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at www.nypl.org.

Industry

Libraries and archives

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New York, NY, US

Year founded

1895

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