"Librarian for Japanese Studies"

Job Summary

The Harvard-Yenching Library seeks an energetic, collaborative, and user-centered Librarian for Japanese Studies. Reporting to the Librarian of the Harvard-Yenching Library, the Librarian for Japanese Studies is responsible for developing and managing the Japanese language collection; providing reference and research support services related to Japanese studies for faculty, students, and other researchers; participating in classroom instruction; and other services that support the needs of the Japanese Studies community at Harvard and beyond.

Job-Specific Responsibilities

• Work closely with faculty to understand current and emerging research and curricular needs to inform collections and services decisions.
• Work with vendors and donors to acquire and make accessible primary source materials and scholarly publications related to Japanese studies in various formats for both the general/circulating collection and the special collections of the Harvard-Yenching Library.
• Assist the librarians for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese studies in acquiring Japanese-language scholarly publications relevant to their subject areas.
• Partner with faculty and others to develop and deliver classroom instruction and other learning programs related to Japanese studies.
• Collaborate with Access Services staff and other colleagues to ensure appropriate collection management for the Japanese holdings of the Harvard-Yenching Library.
• Provide comprehensive reference and research support services for Japanese studies for faculty, students, and other researchers at Harvard and the broader scholarly community.
• Update and manage online resource guides specific to Japanese studies.
• Collaborate with the Special Collection Librarian and Archivist to create and maintain finding aids for Japanese materials in the Special Collection.
• Work with the Digital Scholarship Librarian and Harvard Library Imaging Services to facilitate the digitization of unique and rare holdings in the Japanese collection.
• Partner with Harvard Library Preservation Services to facilitate the conservation and preservation of Japanese collection materials.
• Engage with librarians from other Harvard libraries (e.g., Widener Library, Houghton Library, Fine Arts Library, Law School Library) to develop and promote Japanese studies resources.
• Monitor the acquisition of Japanese studies materials in non-Japanese languages across Harvard libraries and provide recommendations to colleagues as appropriate.
• Actively participates in relevant committees, working groups, and task forces across Harvard Library.
• Promote the Japanese Collection through conference presentations, exhibitions, outreach programs, and written materials.
• Participate in inter-institutional initiatives for collaborative collection development, digitization, and other projects.
• Represent Harvard in regional, national, and international meetings and collaborations (e.g., CEAL, NCC, ReCAP, IPLC) related to Japanese studies resources.
• Contribute to the overall goals of the Harvard-Yenching Library and Harvard Library.
• Ensure responsible financial management by following Harvard University’s financial policies, procedures, and protocols. In partnership with Harvard Library Finance, ensure accountability and compliance with fiduciary requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Train and supervise up to 1-2 students or temporary staff members on special projects.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.

Basic Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS) and/or in a related field with a focus on Japanese Studies such as anthropology, area studies, art history, history, language/linguistics, literature, political science, religion, and sociology.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an academic or other type of research library.
• Proficiency in both English and Japanese languages.
• Knowledge of Japan’s academic publishing industry and book trade.
• Experience with traditional and emerging collection development and management strategies.
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the latest trends and methodologies in the field of Japanese studies, both within Japan and internationally.
• Proven proficiency in utilizing digital resources and methodologies relevant to Japanese studies.
• Dedication to providing reference, research, and teaching services within an academic library setting.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing online library catalogs such as WorldCat, HOLLIS, NDL Search, and CiNii Research.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in Japanese Studies preferred. MLS preferred.
• Proficiency in reading an East Asian language other than Japanese, and/or a European language other than English.
• In-depth knowledge of the history of the Japanese book.
• Familiarity with the market for Japanese antiquarian books.
• Demonstrated record of a collaborative approach to work and problem solving.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleagues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research trends and the scholarly process.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and publishers.
• Experience supervising staff, including training, scheduling, and distributing and overseeing work.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

The position is based on site in Cambridge, MA. There may be an opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies. It is anticipated that this role will be on campus two to three days a week, and have the option for remote the other days, dependent on business needs.

Salary Grade: 058. View salary ranges.

Job Details:

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location: Cambridge
• School/Unit: Harvard Faculty of Arts and Sciences
• Job Function: Library
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Term Appointment: No
• Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Posting date: February 25, 2026

Note: Although the position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.