Library Positions

Chinese Studies Librarian

East Asia Library

NOTICE OF VACANCY:

April 3, 2006

To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than 5:00 p.m., Thursday, August 31, 2006.

Among the largest academic research libraries in North America, the University of Washington Libraries has a collection of more than six 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 Libraries was commended in the University’s 2003 accreditation review for its rich collection, well-qualified staff, and “exceptional service to students, staff development, and a commitment to planning and assessment of service.”

EAST ASIA LIBRARY:

The East Asia Library at the University of Washington is among the ten major collections in North America. Services and collections are housed in the main branch located in Gowen Hall, and a large auxiliary stacks space nearby ensures growth space for the collections. The library enjoys strong support within the University of Washington Libraries, with its recently hired, dynamic new Director reporting directly to the Dean of University Libraries. The area studies librarians are considered an integral part of the research and educational programs of the China, Japan and Korea Studies Programs.

THE POSITION:

The University of Washington Libraries seeks an energetic Chinese Studies Librarian committed to providing a range of innovative services and collections to the China Studies faculty, students, and other library users.

Reporting to the Director of the East Asia Library, the Chinese Studies Librarian is responsible for the overall development and management of the Chinese studies collection and services. S/he selects materials, manages the acquisitions budget, and maintains the quality for the Chinese studies collection; develops and manages electronic resources and services for effective access to digital content on Chinese studies; provides bibliographic and reference services, orientation, and instruction to users of the materials on Chinese studies; serves as liaison with the China Studies Program; supervises, trains and evaluates staff for the Chinese studies collection.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

1. Selects materials on Chinese studies in all formats and languages; manages the acquisitions budget.



2. Recommends short and long term goals and objectives for the Chinese studies collection; periodically evaluates the content and condition of the collection, provides general maintenance of the collection, and keeps statistics.



3. Works with the Libraries system coordinators to develop and organize electronic resources for Chinese studies, designs and manages electronic services, and creates and acquires Chinese electronic data.



4. Provides in-depth reference and research assistance to the users of the East Asia Library with special emphasis on the Chinese studies collection; develops and delivers orientation and library instruction services to faculty, students, and other users.



5. Serves as liaison with China Studies faculty and students.



6. Initiates and participates in outreach programs and donor functions; represents the library in various professional and collaborative programs on Chinese materials.



7. Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with publishers, book vendors, and institutions in China and other parts of the world.



8. Serves as liaison with other library units on matters pertaining to the assigned responsibilities; participates in Libraries-wide task forces, committees, and groups as appropriate.



9. Participates in hiring, trains, and supervises staff for the Chinese studies collection.



10. Creates and maintains web pages to support instruction and research.



11. Contributes to the East Asia Library's programs and services.



12. Assumes other responsibilities as assigned; performs other duties as required.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

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



2. Demonstrated reading proficiency in classical and modern Chinese.



3. Demonstrated strong communication skills in written and spoken English and Chinese.



4. Demonstrated substantial knowledge of resources, current research, and trends of scholarly publication and book trade in Chinese studies.



5. Demonstrated substantial knowledge of current and emerging information technologies and issues of Chinese digital content development and management; experience with web design and development.



6. Strong commitment to excellence in service and demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a complex and changing environment.



7. Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, initiative, and flexibility.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Previous professional working experience with Chinese collections in a research library.



2. Advanced degree in a subject area of Chinese studies.

SALARY:

$40,000 minimum. Starting salary commensurate with qualifications and background.

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the University of Washington Retirement Plan (TIAA-CREF, The Vanguard Group, and/or Fidelity Investments) 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.

APPLY TO:

Charles E. Chamberlin
Senior Associate Dean
University of Washington Libraries
482 Allen Library
Box 352900
Seattle, Washington 98195-2900

Applicants should submit a letter of application, a full resume, including a work telephone number and e-mail address, salary requirements, and the names, mailing addresses and telephone numbers of at least three references who are knowledgeable of the applicant's qualifications for this position.

University of Washington Libraries Home Page address is:

The 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.

Library Positions

University Libraries
Modified: April 3, 2006