The Elling O. Eide Center in Sarasota, Florida seeks an experienced and innovative director for its Research Library focused on premodern China and Central / Inner Asia. The non-circulating collection of 70,000 books and 300 periodical titles in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages is especially strong in materials about China and its border regions from ancient times through the Tang dynasty. For further information, visit www.ellingoeide.org.
Responsibilities:
- Works self-directed and develops a long-term strategy for the library;
- Develops the library’s print and electronic collections and manages the acquisitions budget to maintain and further build the library’s usefulness to researchers by identifying significant new publications and digital resources in the established strengths of the library in the humanities and social sciences;
- Reports directly to the Center’s CEO;
- In close collaboration with the Director of Research and Programs, (a) plans programs and projects to increase the use of library resources on-site and online, (b) provides input for center-wide initiatives and events;
- Creates online library research guides and publishes updates on significant new acquisitions;
- Oversees the training and direction of library assistants and student-interns;
- Maintains and develop contacts with vendors of materials in Chinese, Japanese, and Western languages;
- Organizes workflows and out-sourced services in cooperation with Chinese and Western book suppliers that only require a minimum of local cataloging and physical processing and verifies accuracy of bibliographic descriptions;
- Manages the library’s electronic catalogue on WorldCat and where necessary performs original and copy cataloging based on current standards including original personal name and corporate body authority records according to the LOC guidelines and Name Authority Cooperative program (NACO);
- Manages the library’s physical holdings and supervises the physical processing including assigning of call numbers and locations of materials and creation of holding and item records;
- Represents the library effectively to researchers, the local community, and the public;
- Participates in relevant professional library associations.
Minimum qualifications:
- MA or PhD in Chinese Studies or closely related fields
- MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution OR longstanding experience as specialist librarian for Chinese Studies or closely related fields
- US citizenship or permanent residence card
- Proficiency in Classical and Modern Chinese, including romanization systems
- Familiarity with the Chinese book trade and current trends in print and electronic publishing
- Ability to work effectively with researchers, colleagues, and members of the public
- Good communication skills in English and modern Chinese
- Good interpersonal and computer skills
Preferred skills:
- Ten years of experience working in an academic library environment
- Knowledge of NACO/SACO and AACR2 and RDA rules for cataloging
- Experience in technical services operations, budget management, collection assessment tools, and reference services
- Reading ability in Japanese, Korean, and / or European languages
Application: Cover letter & resume; three (3) reference letters to be sent directly by the recommender. Email materials to Georgia Hudson, Director of Operations: ghudson@ellingoeide.org
Salary: Depending on qualifications and work experience. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plan, and support for professional development. Flexible working arrangements negotiable. Housing accommodation negotiable.
Deadline: Review of applications begins on July 15. The position will remain open until a hire is made.
The Elling Eide Center provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics
