Japanese Studies Librarian
C.V. Starr East Asian Library
Columbia University Libraries
The C.V. Starr East Asian Library is one of the major collections for the study of East Asia in the United States with over 840,000 volumes of Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Tibetan, and Western language materials and over 7,200 periodical titles.
Reporting to the Director, and working with a team of librarians in East Asian Studies, the Japanese Studies Librarian builds the Japanese language collection and provides curricular and research support services to students, faculty and scholars in Japanese Studies.
Responsibilities
-Identify and select Japanese research resources for acquisition in all formats, both current and retrospective, on a timely and continuing basis following the Collection Development Policy and other relevant guidelines. Utilize a variety of selection and collection development techniques and tools, including approval and blanket order plans, gifts, and direct orders from vendors, publishers, and other sources of publications. Cultivate and maintain international networks to ensure the appropriate acquisition of unique and specialized materials; undertake acquisitions trips.
-Review and update appropriate sections of the Collection Development policy; establish criteria and make decisions in consultation with faculty regarding priority acquisitions; maintain acquisition and collection data.
-Develop and manage collaborative collection development projects with offsite facilities.
-Review incoming collections to flag materials for priority handling, onsite or offsite, and to identify new titles.
-Manage and monitor the acquisition budget and its expenditure in a timely manner.
-Participate in collection development related grant activities.
-Participate regionally, nationally and internationally in efforts to develop effective resource sharing mechanisms and coordinated collection development. Promote the collections via conference participation, publications, and outreach to diverse communities.
-Provide advanced reference and instructional services both in person and virtually.
-Create and maintain research guides, LibGuides embedded in courses, Japanese Studies Collection Web Pages, and use other communications strategies and tools to promote the research support services.
-Develop and sustain a highly engaged faculty liaison program. Meet with faculty regularly and stay abreast of changes in curricular and research interests.
-Plan and organize outreach projects with the faculty, which may include hosting symposia, exhibitions, book talks, film screenings, etc.
-Participate in professional committees and task forces locally and beyond the University.
-Contribute to scholarship in Japanese Studies and Librarianship.
Minimum Qualifications
-MLS degree or equivalent
-Experience working with a Japanese Collection in an academic or research library.
-In-depth knowledge of Japanese collection development and management practices.
-Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
-Excellent language skills in Japanese (i.e. native or near-native proficiency with ability to function in a professional capacity).
-In depth knowledge of user services in Japanese Studies
-Knowledge of Japan related databases.
Preferred Qualifications
-Ph.D. or MA in a related subject.
-Working knowledge of writing and maintaining content for the Web.
-Experience utilizing social media to promote library collections and services.
-Knowledge of classical Japanese and, preferably, kuzushiji (characters written in cursive style).
-Knowledge of bibliographic utilities—OCLC and local library management/integrated library systems.
Additional Information
This position is eligible for university housing.
Columbia University Libraries offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plan, and tuition exemption for self and family (waiting periods apply).
For immediate consideration, please apply online at: http://pa334.peopleadmin.com/postings/2170
Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer —Race/Gender/Disability/Veteran
