The Hybrid Conservator

Abstract

As new preservation programs emerge, many research libraries can afford to hire only one conservation professional, a “hybrid conservator,” whose position description includes oversight of batched, mass production treatments (usually for circulating collections) and execution of single item treatments (usually for special collections). In order to determine some of the most frequent and persistent challenges facing this relatively new strain of conservation professional, an informal survey was developed and distributed to members of the American Library Association’s preservation administrators’ online discussion group (PADG). The results of this survey, albeit limited, indicate several distinct challenges facing those in hybrid conservator positions, centering on the variety of administrative duties that take time away from high-end treatment activities preferred by many conservators. This paper discusses the most pressing concerns of the respondents and proposes solutions to some of the most common challenges facing the hybrid conservator.