NOTICE OF VACANCY

Monday, August 6, 2012

TITLE: Chinese Studies Librarian

LOCATION:   East Asia Library

THE LIBRARIES: 

Among the largest academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than seven million cataloged volumes, an equal number in microform format, more than 50,000 serial titles, and several million items in other formats. Students and faculty recognize the value provided by the Libraries and rank the Libraries as the most important source of information for their work. The Libraries also receives the highest satisfaction rating of any academic service on the surveys of graduating seniors conducted by the Office of Educational Assessment.

THE EAST ASIA LIBRARY

The East Asia Library supports the faculty and students in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature as well as the China Studies Program, the Japan Studies Program, and the Korea Studies Program and Center for Korea Studies in the Jackson School of International Studies, the East Asia Center, and the East Asia Resource Center. It is a major resource for international scholars and the local heritage community and a a leader among the national community of East Asia libraries, known for its outstanding collections, international collaborations, and innovative digital projects. The East Asia Library is located in Gowen Hall with a historic reading room and recently refurbished user spaces and has a large auxiliary stacks space for growth of its significant collections of over 650,000 volumes of publications on East Asia in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, Manchurian, Mongolian, and other languages. See http://www.lib.washington.edu/east-asia/ for further information about the East Asia Library.

THE POSITION

The University of Washington Libraries seeks an energetic Chinese Studies Librarian committed to providing a range of excellent services and collections.  Reporting to the Director of the East Asia Library, the Chinese Studies Librarian works with one of the premier Chinese Studies programs in the United States. The Program has come to expect that this librarian will have a high degree of accessibility and visibility, actively communicating with students and faculty, and collaborating on projects and curriculum initiatives. The Chinese Studies Librarian typically attends faculty meetings and other departmental events, and is available for activities involving domestic and international collaborations. The Libraries enjoys a strong relationship with the Chinese community, and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to sustaining this connection. The Chinese Studies Librarian seeks grants and gifts as appropriate and participates in donor functions. The position also provides original cataloging of Chinese language materials. He/she is a strong team player and collaborates and interacts regularly with the other librarians and staff members within and outside the East Asia Library.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Provides a full range of instructional services, both in class and through online learning and courseware.
• Provides general and customized reference services and research consultation both on-site and virtual to students and faculty of Chinese studies and other users.
• Serves as liaison to Chinese studies programs; actively engages with faculty, staff, and students to develop strong working relations; promotes and markets services and resources.
• Creates and maintains web pages and subject guides and provides computer support for instructions and research in Chinese studies.
• Working with Director of the East Asia Library, selects materials for Chinese studies, manages acquisitions budget, and assesses user needs to ensure collections are relevant and of high quality.
• Recommends short and long term goals and objectives for the Chinese studies collection; periodically evaluates the content and condition of the collection; and provides general maintenance of the collection.
• Performs original cataloging for Chinese language materials.
• Meets with donors and fosters productive donor relations.
• Seeks grants and gifts to enhance Chinese studies collections and services.
• Serves as a member of the East Asia Library management team and, as such, may lead an aspect of the library's public services.
• Participates in the Libraries' digital initiatives, scholarly communication, and assessment efforts.
• Represents the Libraries in various professional associations and collaborative programs related to Chinese collections and services.
• Participates in Libraries-wide task forces, committees, and groups as appropriate.
• Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

·        Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.

·        Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.

·        Excellent communication skills (to read, write, and converse) in English and Chinese.

·        Ability to read classical Chinese at a high level of proficiency.

·        Demonstrated knowledge of scholarly resources, reference tools, electronic resources, and contemporary research and scholarship in Chinese Studies.

·        Demonstrated high level of computer literacy and knowledge of current and emerging technology as it contributes to meeting the needs of researchers and learners.

·        Evidence of a desire to continue learning in the area of Chinese Studies and related fields.

·        Ability to work independently and with others in a demanding and rapidly changing environment where consultation, collaboration, and creativity are essential.

·        Experience or demonstrated strong interest in developing and providing user services.

Preferred:

·        Minimum of two years post-MLS (or equivalent degree) professional experience working in a library or library-related position.

·        Undergraduate or graduate degree in a field of Chinese Studies, demonstrating broad knowledge across disciplines and with an emphasis on social sciences and humanities.

·        Experience in developing collections and providing instruction.

·        Public service experience in an academic library.

·        Experience with cataloging and familiarity with cataloging rules and tools such as OCLC, MARC21 formats, AACR2, LC subject headings and classifications.

·        Demonstrated experience working creatively, collaboratively, and effectively with colleagues, faculty and students.

·        Evidence of contributions to the profession.

·        Evidence of initiative and resourcefulness in past activities.

SALARY:        $42,600 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.

BENEFITS:     Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan on a matching basis. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 24 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To apply for this position, please submit the following information to [log in to unmask]:

·        Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Academic Human Resources Librarian).

·        Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements).

·        List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses).

·        Please use "Librarian Application" in the subject heading.

·        Please submit all three components in a single, multi-page PDF document. All submissions will be maintained in a secure, password protected online file space until interviews are conducted. Then, some application materials will be circulated.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 pm, Friday, October 26^th, 2012.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page is http://www.lib.washington.edu
The East Asia Library Home Page is htt://lib.washington.edu/east-asia/

University of Washington, an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, is building a culturally diverse staff and strongly encourages applications from female and minority candidates.

In compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the University is required to verify and document the citizenship or employment authorization of each new employee.