Bednar Conservation Internship

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  CURRENT PENN STATE STUDENT (not employed previously at the university) and seeking employment with Penn State, please login to Workday to complete the student application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  

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  If you are NOT a current employee or student, please click “Apply” and complete the application process for external applicants .
  

Approval of remote and hybrid work is not guaranteed regardless of work location. For additional information on remote work at Penn State, see Notice to Out of State Applicants .

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

The Bednar Conservation Intern will learn the principles and methods of preserving and conserving library and archival materials and will obtain hands-on experience in carrying out these principles on distinguished discrete collections. Additionally, this internship will provide multiple opportunities for networking with industry professionals at the University Libraries and other institutions.

The Bednar Conservation Intern will gain the experience of learning about preservation and conservation principles and procedures and will learn specific methods, such as proper storage and handling, bookbinding structures, the proper environment for collections, appropriate exhibition methods, collection assessment, conservation principles, and minor conservation procedures. The Intern will assist in the conservation of rare book and manuscript collections by making custom storage housings, such as phase boxes for rare books, and will participate in minor conservation treatments, including surface cleaning, encapsulation, humidifying, and flattening documents. The intern will also be given articles on preservation and conservation methods and will be encouraged to pursue a more in-depth study of an issue of specific interest to the intern as a capstone project and results published in an end-of-year report. The Intern will work closely with the Senior Book Conservator in the Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization Department and with the Special Collections Library's Rare Books and Manuscripts staff in their respective departments within the Libraries and at the Conservation Centre. The Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization Department will provide the workspace, training, and all necessary materials. We will also provide transportation to and From the Science Park Library Annex if necessary.

Qualifications:
· Open to juniors and seniors who are in good academic standing.
· Excellent attention to detail, and ability to follow instructions, including measuring and cutting.
· Possess good hand skills and the ability to use hand tools.
· Ability to handle rare library materials carefully.
· Ability to work independently and in a collaborative setting.
· Effective communication skills in English.
· Interest in a career in libraries, museums, or archives related to preservation.
· Preferred schedule to include dedicated 3-hour blocks of time for conservation work to be completed on-site or remotely based on
current COVID-19 guidelines for the university.
· Must possess a strong commitment to diversity, equity, respect, and inclusion.

· Applications must include a cover letter and resume as individual files.
Additionally, the Bednar Conservation Intern will be required to be a member of the University Libraries Student Advisory Group, which meets monthly, as well as the intern Community of Practice (designed to help interns get to know their peers, learn more about the library, and
collaborate with other interns on their day-to-day work). The Bednar Conservation Intern will be required to participate in weekly reflections and discussions via Canvas and prepare a report summarizing their experience after each semester of their internship. These reports become part of the permanent records maintained in the Libraries Administrative Office and are shared with the endowment donors.

Additional opportunities for interns to share their experiences with University Libraries faculty and staff will be provided and may include participation in the Libraries Donor Reception.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability in all of its forms. We embrace individual uniqueness, foster a culture of inclusion that supports both broad and specific diversity initiatives, leverage the educational and institutional benefits of diversity in society and nature, and engage all individuals to help them thrive. We value inclusion as a core strength and an essential element of our public service mission.

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Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here .

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies. 

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

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