Position Summary: The Librarian for Chinese Studies serves on a team of international and area studies librarians, program assistants, and student assistants in the KU Libraries’ International Collections (IC) department. The position reports to the Head of IC, who in turn reports to the Associate Dean of Distinctive Collections. The Librarian for Chinese Studies provides user-focused service and subject expertise for interdisciplinary fields covering China, Taiwan, and East Asia, and works with faculty and staff in KU Centers for East Asian and Global International Studies, and other departments and professional schools for programs or courses related to East Asian studies.
The University of Kansas Libraries support a safe and inclusive environment for all members of our diverse communities at KU. We are committed to building a diverse and pluralistic workforce and strongly encourage applications from diverse candidates. This position will demonstrate a commitment to advancing diversity efforts in the Libraries and contributes to an inclusive environment.
This is a full-time, 12-month, tenure-track faculty position. Rank considerations are based on professional performance, research, and service experience sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian.
Job Description
Professional Responsibilities (70%)
- Builds, promotes, maintains, preserves, and assesses the Chinese studies collections; selects materials in all formats, media types, and languages relevant to China, Taiwan, and border regions of these countries; monitors and reviews approval plans; and collaborates and communicates with KU Libraries colleagues on collection development issues.
- Provides reference service and research consultation related to China, Taiwan, and global studies touching those countries, regions, areas or issues for students, faculty, visiting scholars, and the public.
- Works collaboratively with faculty and other librarians to design and deliver library instruction, and to create and maintain subject and course guides and research tutorials in support of courses related to Chinese and East Asian studies.
- Serves as liaison to the Chinese studies faculty with the Center for East Asian Studies, the Center for Global International Studies, and across 20 departments, professional schools, and programs.
- Works with Chinese studies librarians and/or East Asian librarians in the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA) consortium for electronic resource collection development and with national libraries and institutions in East Asian countries on exchange programs; applies for grants to enhance the collection and access to resources. Collaborates in regional, national, and international consortial programs.
- Works collaboratively to develop and maintain web site content, and promotional materials relevant to Chinese studies. Works with the Center for East Asian Studies outreach program to promote awareness of East Asian studies. Collaborates with IC colleagues on inter-disciplinary, multi-regional exhibitions.
- Actively communicates issues implicit to scholarly communication and open access to the KU community. Participates in training and events that promote emerging trends and best practices in scholarly communications.
- Supports library colleagues’ Chinese-language needs in the acquisition, receipt and payment of materials, and for Interlibrary Loan requests. Collaborates with the Cataloging Department in its Chinese-language cataloging, including the outsourcing of materials.
- Advances the Libraries’ priorities and strategic directions through participation on project teams and/or task forces.
Research (20%)
- Contributes to the profession’s collective knowledge by engaging in scholarly research activity.
- Research may involve the publication of articles, books, book reviews, grant-supported inquiry, or editorial work (see Discipline Expectations for Librarians at KU, July 2014).
Service (10%)
- Engages in service to the Libraries, the University and to professional organizations by participating in committee work, projects, and other contributory achievements.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Library or Information Sciences from an American Library Association accredited program or foreign equivalent; degree must be received by date of hire.
- Proficiency in modern and pre-modern Chinese, including romanization; excellent oral and written communication skills in Chinese and English as evidenced by application materials.
- Knowledge of Chinese history and culture, including scholarly resources and bibliographic tools as evidenced by application materials.
Additional Candidate Instruction
A complete online application includes:
- CV and Cover letter addressing how you meet the required qualifications and how your experience and/or training will enable you to fulfill the Professional Responsibilities outlined above.
- Contact information for three professional references (including at least one previous or current supervisor).
- Completion of the online application.
In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less:
- Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Application review begins Thursday, March 3, 2022. To ensure consideration, apply no later than Wednesday, March 2, 2022.
Contact Information to Applicants
Mike Broadwell, mikebr@ku.edu
