Library/Archives collection preservation Consultant

Result of Service Study of the impact of climatic changes on library and archives collections resulting from a building renovation project, including an evaluation report with relevant recommendations

Work Location Geneva / Home based

Expected duration 3 May to 15 June 2022

Duties and Responsibilities The building of the Palais des Nations, the main campus of UN Geneva, is undergoing renovation works as part of the Strategic Heritage Plan, a large-scale construction and renovation project. The plan foresees the renovation of individual records and archives storage areas, as well as the stacks areas of the Library & Archives building, where approximately 45’000 linear meters of collections are located. These include the archives of the League of Nations that are inscribed on UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.

Under the supervision of the focal point from the Strategic Heritage Plan team and with general guidance of the Chief of Institutional Memory Section and the Chief Library Services Section, UN Geneva Library & Archives, the incumbent will be responsible for evaluating the impact of the climatic changes caused by the renovation works on the collections.

The study will include at a minimum: - Onsite visit of collections and relevant storage areas: Building C: stacks areas 6, 10 and 11; Building B: all stacks areas affected by renovation works (10 floors as well as underground and other storage areas)

- Engagement with relevant stakeholders: UN Geneva Library and Archives managers and staff; relevant staff of the Strategic Heritage Plan project including contractors, for approval of evaluation methods

- Gathering and analysis of relevant data, documents and architectural plans, including “Dynamic and air flow simulations – UN Archive Towers ventilation study in winter and summer” by Kopitsis Bauphysik AG

- Drafting and submission of an evaluation report with recommendations for the protection of library and archives collections during and after the works

Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree in library or archival science, information management, architecture or engineering. A first level university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in similar fields in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Experience: Experience working in library and/or archives collections preservation is required; Experience with library and/or archives renovation or construction projects is required Experience in working on library and/or archives consultancy projects is desirable

Reference for at least 2 similar projects within the 10 past years, where the Consultant has evaluated the impact of climatic changes caused by the renovation works on library collections or archives and proposed remedial solutions Language: Fluency in written and oral English is required.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.