With approximately 93,000 objects, the Department of Art of the Ancient World holds one of the largest and most encyclopedic collections of art from ancient Egypt, Nubia, the Near East, Greece, Etruria, and Rome in the United States.
The department is currently seeking a volunteer who will work under the direction of the MFA’s book conservator in collaboration with the other members of the Ancient World staff. She/he will perform various tasks associated with the care and long-term preservation of the department’s extensive library. The work will generally take place in the Ancient World offices; some projects, however, may require the use of conservation equipment located in the MFA’s main library (in Horticultural Hall, across from Symphony Hall)
Through this position, the volunteer will have an opportunity to apply recently acquired hand skills toward the preservation of rare books and play a role in maintaining the department’s library.
Responsibilities:
• Assist with the cleaning, repair, and stabilization of books in need of attention
• Assist with a significant project (usually a major conservation treatment of a single volume or series)
Qualifications:
• Previous training or experience in bookbinding
• Excellent hand skills
• Keen attention to detail
• Appreciation of rare books
• Demonstrated reliability
• Ability to commit to eight hours (one day, Wed or Fri) per week from Jan through May 2013