Job Opening: University of California, Berkeley

C. V. STARR EAST ASIAN LIBRARY
LIBRARIAN FOR THE JAPANESE COLLECTION
Hiring range: Associate Librarian I  Librarian II
$49,464 – $77,976, based upon qualifications

This is a full-time appointment available starting June 2012.
DEADLINE:  Consideration will be given to applications received by May 4, 2012.
Applicants who have previously applied do not need to reapply.

The University of California at Berkeley invites applications for the position of Librarian for the Japanese Collection at the C. V. Starr East Asian Library. The Starr Library houses the largest collection of research materials in the Japanese language at any university outside Asia. Its comprehensive Japanese collection contains more than 385,000 volumes and nearly 2,000 current Japanese serial titles, as well as electronic databases and non-print materials in Japanese. The C. V. Starr East Asian Library serves the campus community and a substantial number of off-campus users.

This position reports to the Director of the C. V. Starr East Asian Library.

Responsibilities:  The incumbent will evaluate and select Japanese language materials in all subject areas, formats, and media, including electronic; manage acquisitions funds, prepare requests for funds, and expend funds. When necessary or advantageous, the incumbent will coordinate acquisitions with Stanford University or other UC campus libraries, either through existing agreements or by exploring additional areas of cooperation. He or she will select materials for storage or withdrawal, preservation, microfilming, or digitization. The incumbent will review and redefine collection policy to meet the teaching and research needs of faculty and students, and attempt to anticipate subject areas and types of research materials that should be collected. The incumbent will work with the Director to identify and initiate applications for grant funds to improve access to, or conservation of, the Japanese collection.

In addition to collection management, the incumbent will provide reference and consultation services for scholars and students in Japanese studies. He or she will respond to individual queries and conduct bibliographic instruction as requested, serving as library liaison for faculty and students. The incumbent will work with the East Asian Librarys Technical Services unit to create and maintain name authority files for items in the Japanese collection.

The incumbent may supervise a bibliographical assistant and represent the Library in regional, national, and international cooperative programs and special projects concerning Japanese collections and materials.

UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, to work effectively in a shared decision-making environment and to be active professionally. Professional contributions beyond the primary responsibilities are required for advancement in the Librarian series. The successful candidate will show promise or evidence of such contributions.

Qualifications:

Required:

Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent degree

Expert knowledge of spoken and written Japanese (modern and classical)

Knowledge of Japanese scholarship, publishing, government documents, and the book trade

Subject background and training in Japanese history, literature, or an appropriate discipline related to Japanese studies

Current knowledge of Japan’s e-publishing industry and online resources suitable to an academic context

Familiarity with various systems for romanizing Japanese, especially the Hepburn system

Excellent oral and written skills in English

Ability to work well with staff of diverse backgrounds

Strong commitment to excellence in service and a demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively, in a complex, changing environment

Preferred:

Advanced academic degree in Japanese history, literature, or a related field

Previous work experience in a research library, preferably with East Asian language materials

The Library at the University of California, Berkeley is committed to the support and encouragement of a multicultural environment and seeks candidates who can make positive contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.

An exclusive bargaining agent, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), represents librarians at the University of California. This position is included in the bargaining unit.

Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional leave, two days per month of vacation leave, one day per month of sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.

Applicants must send with their applications a cover letter, a detailed statement of qualifications, curriculum vitae noting degrees and relevant work experience, and the names, addresses, and phone numbers of three references who are knowledgeable about the applicants qualifications for this position.  Send applications to:

Website: http://www.lib.berkeley.edu/LHRD/jcoll.html