C.V. Starr East Asian Library
University of California, Berkeley
Hiring Range: Assistant Librarian–Librarian
$49,010–$75,215 per annum, based on qualifications
This is a full-time appointment available starting June 1, 2015
The Environment
The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation’s premier public universities. In a highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 25,500 undergraduate students, 10,300 graduate students, and 2,000 faculty. The Library comprises 20 campus libraries, including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, the Bancroft Library, the C. V. Starr East Asian Library, and subject specialty libraries. With a collection of more than 11 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the Library offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with those collections and build their related research skills.
The C. V. Starr East Asian Library (EAL) of the University of California, Berkeley houses one of the largest research collections of print and electronic books and periodicals, manuscripts, rare editions, and graphics in the East Asian languages outside of Asia. Its comprehensive holdings encompass over 1 million print volumes, over 800,000 e-books and electronic journals, over 80,000 microfilms and media items, and over 3,000 current print serial titles. Languages represented include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and to a lesser extent, Tibetan, Manchu, and Mongolian. The East Asian Library supports teaching and research on East Asia, serving the campus community and a substantial number of off-campus users.
The East Asian Library’s Technical Services unit processes Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language materials for the East Asian Library, all other libraries within the University Library system, and affiliated libraries on campus. It employs nine career staff in addition to temporary and student employees. Its operations include original and copy cataloging, serials processing, and the cataloging of digital resources using appropriate metadata schema to facilitate access to digital collections.
Responsibilities:
The Japanese Cataloging Librarian reports to the Head of the East Asian Library’s Technical Services unit. S/he performs original cataloging of books, serials, manuscripts, audio-visual materials, e-resources, microfilm, maps, and other library materials in the Japanese language. All original cataloging is performed in compliance with national and local standards such as MARC21, RDA, AACR2r, LCSH, LCCS, and other appropriate cataloging and metadata standards as well as emerging technological solutions such as linked data. Records are given full MARC tagging by the cataloger, who is also responsible for contributing and maintaining authority records for Berkeley’s integrated library system and NACO. In addition, the Japanese Cataloging Librarian prepares in- house training materials and advises cataloging staff on cataloging-related issues, participates in the formulation of general cataloging policy and system design, and conducts special cataloging projects relating to Japanese materials. Occasionally, the Japanese Cataloging Librarian provides reference services on questions related to the use of the catalogs and other finding tools.
In addition to cataloging responsibilities, the incumbent will represent the Library in regional, national, and international cooperative programs concerning technical processing. The successful candidate should stay abreast of national trends and new developments in cataloging, with an emphasis on Japanese resources, and network with other library professionals within the Berkeley Library system as well as outside the University. The incumbent will also perform other related duties as assigned.
UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, and work effectively in a shared decision-making environment. Librarian advancement is partially based upon professional contributions beyond the primary assignment; the successful candidate will show evidence or promise of such contributions to the Library, campus, UC System, and profession.
Minimum Basic Qualifications at time of application
- MLS from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent degree
- Expert knowledge of written and spoken Japanese, including classical Japanese
- Substantial knowledge of MARC21, RDA, AACR2r, LCSH, LCCS
- Familiarity with the modified Hepburn system of romanization
Additional Required Qualifications
- In-depth knowledge of Japanese history and culture
- A strong commitment to excellence in service and a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a complex, changing environment
- Excellent analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, initiative, and flexibility
Additional Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of library applications of computer technology and electronic information resources
- Original cataloging experience using a bibliographic utility such as OCLC Connexion and a local library system
- Familiarity with authority standards and guidelines
- An additional advanced degree in an appropriate subject area or knowledge of East Asian studies as an academic discipline
The UC Berkeley Library is committed to supporting and encouraging a multicultural environment and seeks candidates who can make positive contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.
UC professional librarians are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, University Council-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is in the bargaining unit.
Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional development leave, vacation leave, sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.
DEADLINE: Consideration will be given to applications received by April 6, 2015.
Submit applications online at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF00674. Applications must include a cover letter detailing a statement of qualifications, curriculum vitae noting degrees and relevant work experience, and the names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s qualifications for this position.
Send inquiries to:
Susan E. Wong
Director, Library Human Resources
Library Human Resources Department
110 Doe Library
University of California
Berkeley, CA 94720–6000
librec@library.berkeley.edu
