We use cookies. Find out more about it here. By continuing to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
#alert
Back to search results
New

Preservation Services Specialist

The Pennsylvania State University
remote work
United States, Pennsylvania, University Park
201 Old Main (Show on map)
Jul 15, 2026
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
  • CURRENT PENN STATE EMPLOYEE (faculty, staff, technical service, or student), please login to Workday to complete the internal application process. Please do not apply here, apply internally through Workday.
  • 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.
  • 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, seeNotice to Out of State Applicants.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Position Summary

24 hours per week, Monday through Friday between 8:00am - 5:00pm.

The primary responsibility of the Part-Time Preservation Services Specialist will be to oversee collections preservation at the University Libraries Conservation Centre, located four miles off campus on Sandy Drive.

Key duties include preparing materials for commercial binding for University Park and Commonwealth Campus Libraries, as well as collection care for all University Park library locations. The successful candidate will participate in outreach activities for the department. This position may occasionally have tasks or be part of projects at the University Park main campus. This position is not eligible for remote or hybrid work schedules.

Essential Functions

  • Assist in preparation, shipment, and tracking for commercial binding activities. This will include evaluating periodicals, serials, newspapers, music scores, and monographs for shipment; creating, maintaining and updating online holding data; boxing materials; unpacking shipments; revising catalog records; performing quality control checks.
  • Perform in-house repairs to maintain physical access to general collections. Tasks include tip-ins, replacement pages, pamphlet binders, encapsulation, creating pockets, enclosures, and minor conservation treatments.
  • Monitor incoming monograph repairs to assess potential for collection weeding.
  • Assist in responding to collection emergencies and participate in disaster recovery services.
  • Participate in outreach activities at the Conservation Centre, including the Annual Minter Lectureship, department tours, and collaborations with other departments within Penn State and the Centre County community.
  • Maintain accurate statistics on daily activities and report this information monthly.
  • Occasionally participate in projects with the digital focused team at Pattee/Paterno Libraries.

Physical Requirements

  • Light-medium physical effort is required for packing and unpacking materials and moving book trucks.
  • Ability to remain stationary (sitting and standing) for several hours a day.
  • Ability to look at a computer screen for several hours a day.
  • Ability to work in environments where exposure to dust, dirt, and mold is possible.

Required Qualifications

  • High school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of relevant work experience; or a combination of related education and work experience totaling four years.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, to effectively liaise with colleagues
  • Experience using Microsoft Office 365 applications, Adobe Creative Cloud tools, Zoom, or equivalent products.
  • Ability to work individually or within a group setting as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience in a library, museum, or archival setting.
  • Demonstrated flexibility when solving problems and seeking out new methods for better functionality.
  • Experience with public-facing outreach events and engaging with a variety of audiences.

Please submit your cover letter and resume together with your application. References will be requested at a later stage.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

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

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

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.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity 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.

Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.

Federal Contractors Labor Law Poster

PA State Labor Law Poster

Penn State Policies

Copyright Information

Hotlines

Applied = 0

(web-77cf7d65c7-rcc7h)