The University of Michigan Library (MLibrary) seeks a Chinese Studies Librarian to provide exceptional outreach to faculty and students who are focused on the study of China across the social sciences and humanities. The Chinese Studies Librarian will assume direct responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Chinese Studies collection; evaluation and selection of information sources related to Chinese Studies; and reference and research consultation in support of instructional programs designed for Chinese Studies. The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison with the Center for Chinese Studies and respond to the Center’s needs in coordination of its activities.
The Asia Library is one of the most comprehensive collections of East Asian materials in North America, and the Chinese Studies collection is among the largest in the nation.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The individual hired for this position will provide academic support services to faculty and students who are engaged in Chinese Studies research and teaching in coordination with other Asia Library staff as well as with the broader MLibrary community. Reporting to the Head of Asia Library, the successful candidate will assume the following responsibilities:
Collection Development and Acquisitions
- Provide leadership for collection development and ongoing collection management of the Chinese Studies Collection. Establish and maintain priorities for the Chinese Studies Collection and periodically review and assess the collection’s needs.
- Identify budget needs for the collection and make recommendations to the Head of Asia Library for budget allocation. Manage and monitor the appropriate acquisitions funds.
- Stay abreast of important changes in academic programs, faculty research, and other academically-related matters effecting collection development.
- Collaborate with the Coordinator of Asia Library Technical Services and MLibrary Technical Services Division to establish cataloging priorities and fine-tune work procedures for Chinese materials in all formats.
Public Services
- Provide in-person and virtual instruction and reference services to faculty and students, as well as to patrons outside the university community on topics related to Chinese Studies.
- Initiate instruction opportunities pertaining to Chinese Studies or Chinese resources for faculty and students.
- Communicate and publicize new and significant acquisitions in Chinese Studies; apprise faculty and students of library-wide services (e.g., Interlibrary Loan, Deep Blue, Mpublishing) and new initiatives, such as data management services.
- Receive official guests as requested. Provide assistance for visiting Chinese Studies scholars and librarians.
- Establish and maintain good relationships in written and spoken Chinese with international libraries, research institutions, publishers, and vendors; maintain knowledge of the book market, publishing trends, and electronic resources for Chinese Studies.
Professional Development & Service
- Serve on MLibrary committees; attend relevant meetings involving university Centers, departments, and institutes; attend and participate in Asia Library, Research Unit, and library-wide meetings.
- Represent the University Library in regional, national, and international organizations of relevant to Chinese or East Asian Studies collections.
QUALIFICATIONS
Required:
- ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, or an advanced degree in a relevant humanities or social sciences discipline.
- Knowledge of scholarly resources, reference tools, and electronic resources for Chinese Studies.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively and collegially with faculty, staff, and students of diverse cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds.
- Speaking, reading and writing fluency in Chinese.
Desired:
- A Ph.D. in a humanities or social sciences discipline, with an emphasis on the study of China, or equivalent knowledge in a related field of study combined with library experience.
- Reading knowledge of one of the following: classical Chinese, Japanese, or non-English European languages.
- Experience providing reference services to researchers and students in a university setting.
BENEFITS, RANK, and SALARY
Rank and salary are dependent on qualifications and experience. As a professional appointment in the University of Michigan University Library, this position offers full benefits and opportunities for professional development and travel, and participates fully in faculty governance.
Further information regarding benefits can be found at http://benefits.umich.edu/benefitgroups/faculty.html.
RETIREMENT OPTIONS: TIAA-CREF and Fidelity Investments options available.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Email a cover letter and CV as attachments to libhumres@umich.edu, addressed to:
Andrea Tekac Lubetkin
Director, Library Human Resources
3026 Shapiro Undergraduate Library
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-118
For further information, call 734-764-2546 between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M., Monday-Friday.
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin 2/25/2013 and continue until the position is filled.
The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.
