Rare Book Conservation

This solicitation is to acquire rare book conservation services in support of the National Library of Medicine. Proposals must be submitted to Ms. Karen Miller at karen.miller@nih.gov on or before Monday, September 26, 2022 at 12 noon.

NLM requires the services of an experienced rare book conservator specializing in rare book and manuscript repair. The work quantity and schedule are expected to vary.  

Working under the supervision of the Senior Conservator the rare book conservator shall:
•    repair a variety of valuable and unique bound and flat paper collections which include, but are not limited to books, pamphlets, broadsides, and manuscripts.
•    design and construct protective enclosures using appropriate material and structures. 
•    write accurate condition and treatment reports including digital photo documentation for bound and flat paper objects using an inhouse, online database. (Contractor must know how to search online databases for bibliographic information).
•    participate in staff training and demonstration sessions for NLM staff and visitors, if required.
•    provide photography services for specific projects and digital initiatives. 
•    perform preservation assessments of collections including surveys.
•    carry out regular maintenance of the collection, such as cleaning shelves and objects and applying NLM property stamp and bookplate to volumes.
•    identify lab supplies and tools needed and assisting with order preparation.                    
•    participate in research with the senior conservator.
•    assist the senior conservator with staff training in disaster salvage, recovery and mold remediation of collections as needed.
•    assist with packing objects for shipment offsite for exhibition or digital scanning and inspecting the objects after their return to NLM.