A dynamic organization devoted to library services for the East Asian studies communities in North America since 1958.
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Oberlin College: East Asian Studies Librarian

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Job Summary

The East Asian Studies Librarian at Oberlin College, provides leadership in three innovative areas: reference and instructional support of the curricular goals of the College,selection, acquisition, and bibliographic control of Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language collections, and active involvement as part of the digital initiatives team.The East Asian Studies Librarian develops relationships, seeks out opportunities, and organizes and facilitates the delivery of initiatives that meet the goals of OCL and Oberlin College. 

This position serves as a member of the OCL’s Core Reference Team, in collaboration with the Academic Commons Coordinator, the Information Literacy Librarian, the Assessment and User Experience Librarian, the Outreach and Programming Librarian, and the Reference and Academic Commons Assistant. The incumbent provides individualized reference services to students, faculty, and the wider community by staffing the Research Desk and conducting research appointments, and relevant course related instructional sessions, in partnership with the faculty, that advance the teaching and learning mission of Oberlin College. This position also has interconnectivity with the Archives and Special Collections Department; the Art, Conservatory, and Science libraries; the Collection Development Librarian, the Emerging Technology Librarian, the Discovery and Metadata Services Librarian, the Visual Resources Curator, and the Digital Initiatives Collaborative.

Responsibilities

Curricular Support/Reference and Instruction: 35%

  • Provides information literacy instruction to that support the curricular goals of the College and assist students in developing the necessary skills to become effective users of information, focusing specifically on the needs of the East Asian Studies faculty and students
  • Serves as collaborator in the development and evaluation of an information literacy program that enables student success across established metrics in partnership with the Information Literacy and Student Success Librarian
  • Builds relationships and works with researchers, research teams, and support services to design and deliver programs for students in East Asian Studies
  • In partnership with the Assessment and User Experience Librarian, collects, evaluates, and presents feedback and assessment data on course-related instruction
  • Works with faculty to identify and integrate appropriate information resources in the curriculum for East Asian Studies
  • Assists students to identify appropriate scholarly resources related to course assignments and research
  • Provides instruction in the Special Collections relating to East Asain Studies

Discovery and Metadata Services: 20%

  • Works closely with the Head of Discovery and Metadata Services and the branch Head Librarians to provide timely, high quality and complete original catalog as well as complex copy-cataloging for CJKmaterials in all formats and subjects following national standards as well as local policies. Resolve database problems in wide range of relevant areas, including classification schedules, subject analysis, cataloging rule interpretations, and authority work.
  • Train and supervise student assistants needed to support East Asian studies collection development and processing, including writing and maintaining documentation.

Digital Initiatives: 20%

  • Provides consultation to the Systems Librarian around usability issues for an international audience
  • Co-designs effective learning objects in partnership with relevant (individuals) that support curriculum and information literacy instruction activities
  • Work in collaboration with library and archives staff, students, and faculty engaged in digital scholarship projects
  • Collaborates with the Visual Resources Curator on exhibition and other teaching materials to support the curriculum needs.

Information Resources Consultation and Management: 15%

  • Serves as the primary liaison between the Library and the East Asian Studies Program
  • Collaborates with the Collection Development group to enhance OCL’s collection through the selection of high quality digital and print materials
  • Cultivates a deep understanding of the resource needs of East Asian Studies faculty and students; regularly consults with faculty regarding library resources
  • Provide language expertise throughout the library system
  • Participates in ongoing collection assessment and management activities, including collaborative planning
  • Serves as the primary liaison between the Library, the Shansi Association and the International Students Office.

Miscellaneous Duties: 10%

  • Manages a budget line in support of programs, supplemental services, and maintaining professional currency
  • Maintains currency with library functions, resources, practices and procedures
  • Contributes to the development of library programs, services, and expertise through participation in task forces, working groups, and implementation committees
  • Contributes to the profession through active participation in relevant conferences, associations, and writing

 Required Qualifications 

  • Graduate degree in the field of library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution
  • Written and spoken fluency in Chinese and/or Japanese. Familiarity of Romanization rules, such as Pinyin, Wade-Giles, and/or Hepburn.
  • Knowledge of bibliographic databases, metadata standards, and reference tools, including AACR2, RDA, LCRI, LC-PCCPSs, LCSH, LC Classification scheme, PCC & CONSER cataloging guidelines, and MARC formats.
  • Outstanding verbal, written, and presentation skills
  • Demonstrated record of creativity and innovative thinking
  • Self-starter who is comfortable with ambiguity
  • Competent with a variety of technologies
  • Outstanding interpersonal skills and abilities and comfortable working in a team environment
  • Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

 Desired Qualifications 

  • Prefer a minimum of three years’ experience in an academic library environment
  • Project management experience
  • Written and spoken fluency in Korean.
  • Ordering and/or cataloging experience using OCLC-Connexion and local library systems.
  • Experience with East Asian book and serials trade.
  • Experience in designing and implementing web-based databases and interfaces.
  • Familiarity with proprietary and open source platforms such as ContentDM, Omeka, WordPress, SubjectsPlus, and Drupal.
  • Demonstrated capacity for success in working with students, faculty, library colleagues, and administrators
  • Awareness of various assessment measurement systems

 Quick Link for Posting

https://jobs.oberlin.edu/postings/14046

 Compensation

Within the range established for this position, salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience and includes a competitive benefits package.

Special Instructions to Applicants

 A complete application will be comprised of: 1) a Cover Letter, 2) a Curriculum Vitae; and 3) Letters of Reference from three recommenders.* All application materials must be submitted electronically through Oberlin College and Conservatory’s online application process at: https://jobs.oberlin.edu/

*By providing three letters of reference, you agree that we may contact your letter writers.

Review of applications will begin on July 15, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled.

Questions about the position can be addressed to Tracy Sutherland, tsuther2@oberlin.edu

 

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