Position Title: Chinese Studies Librarian
Location: Chicago, IL
Position Type: OAA – University Librarian
Open Date: August 7, 2023
Position Description
General Summary:
The University of Chicago Library empowers users with deep and rich collections, extensive expertise, innovative programs, and diverse spaces. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive community, enhancing access to scholarly resources, advancing digital scholarship, engaging locally and globally, and excelling in a changing environment. Home to one of the most comprehensive and dynamic East Asian collections, The University of Chicago is an active partner and collaborator in both the Ivy Plus Libraries and the Big Ten Academic Alliance.
The Library is seeking a collaborative, service-oriented, and forward-thinking individual for the position of Chinese Studies Librarian. The Chinese Studies Librarian manages the Chinese Studies collection and develops and delivers research services to a wide range of users across the University, as well as engages in community, to support new methods and innovations in research. The ideal candidate possesses skills and abilities to help transform collections, instruction, outreach, and reference and is creative in solving problems in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the East Asian Collection, the Chinese Studies Librarian will perform the following duties, but not limited to:
- Contribute to the development, promotion, preservation, and assessment of distinctive, interdisciplinary, multi-format, and intersectional collections that serve the wide-ranging needs of students and faculty
- Provide reference service and research consultations, maintain online research guides, offer library instruction, and may also have opportunities for involvement in outreach, instruction, and exhibits relating to archival and special collections and for participation in digital initiatives
- Serve as liaison to the Chinese Studies students and faculty across departments, professional schools, and programs
- Collaborate with other subject librarians as appropriate to support students and faculty in interdisciplinary research and teaching
- Participate in departmental and library-wide projects, initiatives, committees and task forces
- Work with the Chinese Studies Librarian and/or East Asian Studies Librarian in Ivy Plus Libraries and the Big Ten Academic Alliance for collaborative collection development and/or services
- Contribute to the profession through engagement with colleagues across the library and other peer networks
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required:
- Master’s degree from an ALA accredited institution of library and information science or the equivalent in education and training
- Demonstrated proficiency in modern and classical Chinese and excellent oral and written communication skills in English as evidenced by application materials
- Demonstrated knowledge of current relevant library and/or scholarly communication trends and issues
- Demonstrated user-centered commitment to public service, including outreach and service excellence
- Demonstrated experience working effectively, as part of a team and independently, in a culturally diverse and constantly changing environment.
Preferred:
- Advanced knowledge of Chinese history, literature, and culture, including scholarly resources
- Demonstrated knowledge of Chinese studies as it relates to current relevant library and/or scholarly communication trends and issues
- Understanding of publishing and scholarship in Chinese studies
- Knowledge of other East Asian languages
- Previous experience in an academic or broader scholarly community
- Demonstrated knowledge of emerging information technologies and trends in digital scholarship
- Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and active involvement in the library profession
- Demonstrated commitment to achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community.
Application Instructions
To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago’s Academic Recruiting website: https://apply.interfolio.com/129651. Review of applications will begin after September 6, 2023. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
Salary and Benefits: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off.
Questions: Contact Library Human Resources at libraryhr@uchicago.edu
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.
We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University’s Notice of Nondiscrimination.
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
Required Documents
C.V.
Cover Letter
Contact Reference
