Job Summary
The University of Michigan Library in Ann Arbor is one of the world's largest academic research libraries. It serves a vibrant university community that is home to 19 schools and colleges, 100 top ten graduate programs, and annual research expenditures exceeding $2.04 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 .
As the Japanese Studies Librarian, you will assume direct responsibility for developing and managing the Japanese collection, and for evaluating and selecting information resources related to Japanese Studies. You will also provide reference and research consultation to support instructional programs designed for Japanese Studies. Furthermore, you will be a liaison to the Center for Japanese Studies 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. You will report to the Director of the Asia Library.
We encourage our employees to incorporate their backgrounds, skills, and life experiences into our work environment and in putting our values into practice. For more information, please see our Library Mission, Vision, and Values.
What You'll Do
- Collection Development and Acquisitions (40%)Provide leadership for collection development and ongoing collection management of the Japanese Studies collection.
- Identify budget needs for the collection and make recommendations to the Director of Asia Library for budget allocation. Manage the appropriate spending of acquisition funds.
- Stay informed about important developments and trends in academic programs, faculty research, and other academically related matters affecting collection development and research services.
- Collaborate with the Head of Asia Library Technical Services to establish cataloging priorities and fine-tune work procedures for Japanese materials in all formats.
- Reference, Instruction, and Other Services (50%)Provide in-person and virtual instruction and reference services to the U-M faculty, students, and researchers in Japanese Studies, as well as patrons outside the university community on topics related to Japanese Studies.
- Initiate instruction opportunities about Japanese Studies or Japanese resources for faculty and students.
- Work with the Center for Japanese Studies to communicate and publicize library resources, events, and programs to the U-M Japanese Studies community; apprise faculty and students of library-wide services.
- Assist visiting Japanese Studies scholars and librarians. Receive official guests.
- Establish and maintain good relationships in written and spoken Japanese with international libraries, research institutions, publishers, and vendors; maintain knowledge of the book market, publishing trends, and electronic resources for Japanese Studies.
- Professional Development & Service (10%)Represent the University of Michigan Library in regional, national, and international organizations relevant to Japanese Studies librarianship.
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 Japanese Studies.
- Demonstrated commitment to professional development.