Princeton University: Director

Director, East Asian Library
Princeton University Library
Princeton, NJ

Requisition #1500096

The Princeton University Library is one of the world’s leading research libraries, serving a diverse community of 5,200 undergraduates, 2,700 graduate students, 1,200 faculty members, and many visiting scholars. Its holdings include more than 7 million printed volumes, 5 million manuscripts, 2 million non-print items, and extensive collections of digital text, data and images. The Library employs a dedicated and knowledgeable staff of more than 300 professional and support staff working in a large central library, 9 specialized branches, and 3 storage facilities. More information: http://library.princeton.edu/

Position:
The East Asian Library's (EAL) collection contains more than 801,000 bound volumes, 38,000 print and electronic serials subscriptions, rich offerings of digital content, and a world-famous collection of rare books and artifacts. About 69% of EAL's holdings are Chinese, 27% Japanese and 4% Korean. Collections range across all fields of knowledge but focus especially on humanities and social sciences. The EAL is staffed by 4 librarians, 3 support staff, and many student assistants. Another 11.5 FTE of staff are devoted to processing and cataloging East Asian materials. The Director bears primary responsibility for all aspects of administration of the EAL, supervision of staff, providing leadership in planning and implementing collections, liaison and services, and representing the Library in many national and international partnerships with other centers of excellence in East Asian Studies.

The EAL serves students (undergrad and graduate), faculty and visiting researchers associated with the study of East Asia in all disciplines at all levels. In close liaison with the Department and Program of East Asian Studies, and serving the broad East Asian studies constituencies across campus, the Director coordinates the work of Chinese, Japanese and Korean Studies Librarians in developing and managing strong, interdisciplinary digital and print collections, shaping and providing innovative services for all levels of library patrons (via reference, research consultation, instructional programs, exhibits, and production of online guides) in support of learning, teaching and research.

The Director works closely with the Department and Program to ensure the EAL provides outstanding support for their over-arching priorities on classical traditions, history and literature, and the study of the contemporary world of China, Japan and Korea. Liaison with other departments (including Tech Services, Systems, Center for Digital Humanities, and Preservation) forms an important component of the operation of the EAL. The Director's work is coordinated with that of other area studies units in the Library system, under the oversight of the Associate University Librarian for Collection Development.

In proportion to the East Asian Library's international stature, the Director provides high-level leadership and initiative, representing Princeton in regional, national, and international organizations and meetings; seeking opportunities to advance inter-institutional initiatives for collaboration in collection development, digitization, preservation and access, and other projects; and helping to identify opportunities for grants to further enhance the Library's service to this field.

Qualifications:

Required:
• ALA-accredited Master's in library science OR equivalent combination of education & professional library experience
• Minimum 3 years professional library work in an academic or research library
• Advanced degree in a humanities or social science field; OR at least 4 years relevant library experience in East Asian studies
• Proficiency in at least one East Asian language; excellent oral & written communication skills
• A record of successful leadership, management and strategic planning
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully and collegially with a diverse group of colleagues and scholars

Strongly Preferred:
• Experience in managing a branch library or library department
• Experience supervising professional staff in an academic setting
• Demonstrated success working collaboratively with all levels of users and staff, across all functions of the library  system
• Ability to work effectively in a rapidly changing environment

Applications:
Applications will be accepted only from the Jobs at Princeton website: http://jobs.princeton.edu. Click the "Search Open Positions" button on the left, and search Requisition #1500096. Applications must include a resume, cover letter, and a list of three references with full contact information. This position is subject to the University's background check policy.  Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.


Princeton University is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.