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Book Conservators


Overview

Book Conservators

Introduction

Book conservators treat the bindings and pages of books and other objects to help preserve original materials for future use. Their work often includes removing a book block from its binding, and then sewing, measuring, gluing, rebinding, and using special chemical treatments to maintain the integrity of the item. Most conservators work in libraries, in museums, or for special conservation centers.

Quick Facts


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Median Salary

$40,020

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Employment Prospects

Fair

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Minimum Education Level

Bachelor's Degree


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Experience

Internship, apprenticeship, or assistantship


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Skills

Drawing/Design
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Personality Traits

Artistic
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Earnings

It is difficult to say how much the average book conservator makes since many conservators work part time, are self-employed, or have positions that encompass other duties as well. In October 2019, SimplyHired.com reported the average salary for book conservators was $82,515. The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in May 2018, museum conservators and technicians (which could include book con...

Work Environment

Because of the damage that dirt, humidity, and the sun can cause to books, most conservators work in clean, climate-controlled areas away from direct sunlight. Many conservation labs are small offices, which often employ the conservator alone or perhaps with one or two part-time assistants. Other labs are part of a larger department within an organization; the University of Chicago's Regenstein...

Outlook

Employment for museum conservators and technicians (including book conservators) is expected to grow faster than the average for all careers through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. There is strong competition for jobs because the field is so small and many people are interested in entering this profession. Book conservators who are graduates of conservation programs and who are...