A dynamic organization devoted to library services for the East Asian studies communities in North America since 1958.

University of Michigan: Chinese Studies Librarian

Job Title: Chinese Studies Librarian (University of Michigan)

How to Apply

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first pages of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

Summary

The University of Michigan (U-M) Library in Ann Arbor is one of the world’s largest academic research libraries and serves a vibrant university community that is home to 19 schools and colleges, 100 top ten graduate programs, and annual research expenditures exceeding $1.5 billion a year. Founded in 1948, the Asia Library is one of the largest East Asian libraries in North America, with a physical book collection of more than one million volumes. As part of the University Library, the Asia Library collects and provides access to resources in all formats in the Chinese, Japanese, and Korean languages. For more information about the Asia Library, please see here.

The Chinese Studies Librarian will assume direct responsibility for the development and maintenance of the Chinese collection, evaluation and selection of information sources related to Chinese Studies, reference and research consultation in supporting instructional programs designed for Chinese Studies, and serve as liaison with the U-M Lieberthal-Rogel Center for Chinese Studies (LRCCS) and respond to the Center’s needs in coordination of its activities and projects. As a member of the Asia Library, you will collaborate with a dynamic group of colleagues, including subject specialists and technical services experts. This position reports to the Director of Asia Library.

We are committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and encourage our employees to incorporate their diverse backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into their work. More information on our Diversity Strategic Plan can be found here.

What You’ll Do

  • Provide leadership for collection development and ongoing collection management of the Chinese Studies collection.
  • Identify budget needs for the collection; stay abreast of the trends of the publishing market for Chinese Studies resources.
  • Stay abreast of important initiatives and trends in academic programs, faculty research (especially faculty affiliated with LRCCS), and other academically related matters affecting collection development and research services.
  • Provide instruction and reference services to the U-M faculty, students, and researchers in Chinese Studies, as well as patrons outside the university community on topics related to Chinese Studies.
  • Collaborate with the Head of Asia Library Technical Services to manage cataloging priorities and work procedures for Chinese materials.
  • Work with LRCCS to communicate and publicize library resources (e.g., new and significant acquisitions in Chinese Studies), events, and initiatives to the U-M Chinese Studies community.
  • Provide research services to visiting Chinese Studies scholars and librarians.
  • Maintain good relationships with international libraries, research institutions, publishers, and vendors for the purpose of advancing Chinese Studies resources, services, and initiatives.
  • Represent the U-M Library in regional, national, and international organizations relevant to Chinese Studies librarianship.

Required Qualifications*

  • ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Studies and/or advanced degree in Chinese Studies or related field.
  • One or more years of relevant professional or paraprofessional work experience in a research library or equivalent research setting.
  • Spoken and written language proficiency in Chinese and English.
  • Demonstrated subject competency in Chinese Studies.
  • Familiarity with bibliographic tools and information resources relevant to research in Chinese and East Asian studies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to promoting DEIA (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility) and working to advance a workplace culture that strives to eliminate or mitigate the effects of systemic racism and bias.

Desired Qualifications*

  • Experience managing collection budgets, e-resources, and vendor relations.
  • Demonstrated commitment to outstanding public service and user education for a diverse academic community.
  • Knowledge or experience in digital scholarship and data management, especially as it pertains to Chinese Studies.
  • Demonstrated commitment to professional development.

Additional Information

Appointment is anticipated as an Assistant Librarian, Associate Librarian, or Senior Associate Librarian. Salary and rank are dependent on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The target salary ranges for this position are $61,000 to $67,000 for the Assistant Librarian rank; $67,000 to $79,000 for the Associate Librarian rank, and $80,000 to $88,000 for the Senior Associate Librarian rank.

Librarian appointments carry with them increased expectations regarding professional development, professional engagement, research, and service, in keeping with the library’s process for librarian promotion and advancement.

This appointment is subject to the UM/LEO-GLAM collective bargaining agreement.

The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off (24 vacation days per year, and 15 days sick leave per year), matched retirement contributions with immediate vesting, professional development opportunities, and more. TIAA and Fidelity Investments’ retirement benefits are available.

The work of this position takes place fully onsite on the Ann Arbor campus. This position may be eligible for flexible work opportunities at the discretion of the hiring department. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change dependent on the business needs of the hiring department, throughout the course of employment.

For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact libraryjobs@umich.edu.

It is the policy of the University of Michigan to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability.  Pursuant to the 2022-2025 UM|LEO-GLAM agreement, each appointing unit will designate an administrative contact (“administrative designee”) who is responsible for communicating with the necessary parties about accommodations requests made by Employees in that appointing unit on each campus. The Administrative Designee for Asia Library is Joe Zynda. They may be reached at 734-936-2450 or zyndaj@umich.edu

Application Deadline

July 10, 2024

U-M EEO/AA Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.