Yale: Librarian for Asian Christianity

Librarian for Asian Christianity
Yale Divinity School Library
Yale University
Rank:  Librarian II – IV
www.yale.edu/jobs

Schedule:   Full-time (37.5 hours per week); Standard Work Week (M-F, 8:30-5:00)

Yale University offers exciting opportunities for achievement and growth in New Haven, Connecticut.  Conveniently located between Boston and New York, New Haven is the creative capital of Connecticut with cultural resources that include two major art museums, a critically-acclaimed repertory theater, state-of-the-art concert hall, and world-renowned schools of Architecture, Art, Drama, and Music.

The University and the Library

The Yale University Library, as one of the world's leading research libraries, collects, organizes, preserves, and provides access to and services for a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. It fosters intellectual growth and is a highly valued partner in the teaching and research missions of Yale University and scholarly communities worldwide. A distinctive strength is its rich spectrum of resources, including more than 12.5 million volumes and information in all media, ranging from ancient papyri to early printed books to electronic databases. The Library is engaged in numerous digital initiatives designed to provide access to a full array of scholarly information. Housed in the Sterling Memorial Library and twenty school and departmental libraries, it employs a dynamic, diverse, and innovative staff of over 500 who have the opportunity to work with the highest caliber of faculty and students, participate on committees, and are involved in other areas of staff development.  For additional information on the Yale University Library, please visit the Library's web site at http://www.library.yale.edu/.

Position Description

The Librarian for Asian Christianity is responsible for building the Library’s collections documenting Christianity in Asia, with a special focus on Chinese-language material.  The Librarian will work closely with colleagues in the East Asia Library and with faculty, students, and affiliated researchers in Asian studies across departments and programs, taking initiative to identify and meet their expectations for collections and services. As time permits, the Librarian for Asian Christianity will also process and describe archival collections received by the Divinity Library, especially those documenting mission work and Christianity in Asia.

Representative Job Summary

Yale University librarians work in libraries across the Central, West, Medical, and Science campuses, to build, manage, and provide access to a rich and unique record of human thought and creativity. They demonstrate flexibility, creativity, and imagination in their work and adapt to and help shape a continuously evolving work environment. Yale librarians provide consistently high quality service to the University, and help meet the needs of the local, national, and international teaching and research communities.

Representative Responsibilities

The Librarian 2 is expected to demonstrate excellence in meeting the position responsibilities, as defined by the job description and annual goals. Demonstrate effective job performance and professional growth.

Departmental Responsibilities

Reporting to the Divinity Librarian, the Librarian for Asian Christianity  is responsible for selection of materials for the Divinity Library’s collection in Asian languages, including fund management, reporting, and management.  The Librarian collaborates with the East Asia Library on collection development.  Collection development focuses on Asian imprints and may include Asian studies materials related to Christianity published world-wide, with particular emphasis on Chinese-language material.  The Librarian is also responsible for acquisitions and cataloging of Chinese-language material in all formats.  The Librarian helps interpret the collection to researchers.  The Librarian will collaborate with colleagues at other institutions to leverage resources.

For the archival component of the position, the Librarian will report to the Special Collections Librarian. The Librarian will be responsible for the arrangement and description of collections in accordance with departmental standards and approved plans.  The Librarian will prepare finding aids for processed materials, including an historical statement, scope and content note, and appropriate listing of materials.

The Librarian contributes to goal-setting and strategic planning in the Divinity Library and manages projects, as assigned.  The Librarian seeks opportunities to contribute to the Yale University Library through participation in committees, task forces, working groups, and programs.  The Librarian is active professionally in organizations such as the American Theological Library Association, the Council on East Asian Libraries, and other relevant venues.

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited Library school and two years of related experience and an advanced degree in the study of Christianity OR an advanced degree in the study of Christianity and relevant library experience.

Appointment to the Librarian 3 rank requires at least five years of professional experience; appointment to the Librarian 4 rank requires at least eight years of professional experience; and demonstrated professional accomplishments appropriate to the rank.

Familiarity with the history of, and current trends in, scholarly research and teaching related to Asian Christianity, especially in American universities and seminaries Familiarity with the major bibliographic tools and research methods for contemporary Chinese studies.

Excellent communication skills (reading, writing, speaking) in Chinese (Putonghua/Mandarin). Excellent communication skills in English.

Demonstrated ability to succeed in a collaborative, team-based environment. Ability to set priorities and adhere to deadlines in a fast-paced work environment. Able to work in a fast-paced, constantly changing environment. Must be eligible to travel to China and other Asian countries as needed

Preferred Education, Skills & Experience

Knowledge of one or more East Asian languages (especially Korean) besides Chinese. Familiarity with the East and Southeast Asian (especially Chinese) book trade. Familiarity with models for collection development collaboration between institutions. Experience with the creation and use of digitized content for research and teaching. Familiarity with the use of archives and practices for archival description. Experience creating content for web pages. Knowledge of cataloging standards and practices for Chinese-language materials. Experience with project management.

Salary and Benefits

We invite you to discover the excitement, diversity, rewards and excellence of a career at Yale University. One of the country's great workplaces, Yale University offers exciting opportunities for meaningful accomplishment and true growth. Our benefits package is among the best anywhere, with a wide variety of insurance choices, liberal paid time off, fantastic family and educational benefits, a variety of retirement benefits, extensive recreational facilities, and much more.

Applications consisting of a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information of three professional references should be sent by creating an account and applying online at http://www.yale.edu/jobs for immediate consideration - the STARS req ID for this position is 16219BR.  Please be sure to reference #16219BR in your cover letter.

Background Check Requirements

All external candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. Internal candidates may be subject to a motor vehicle or credit check for this position based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent on successful completion of the required background check. Please visit http://www.yale.edu/hronline/careers/screening/faqs.html for additional information on the background check requirements and process.

Yale University is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer.  Yale values diversity in its faculty, staff, and students and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented minority groups.