UBC: Chinese Language Librarian

CHINESE LANGUAGE LIBRARIAN
Asian Library, UBC Library
Vancouver Campus
(50% FTE, Fixed Term Dec 1, 2015 – Nov 30, 2016)

UBC LIBRARY
The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre - a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.

The Library’s collection of over 7M items includes 1.4M ebooks, 229,020 electronic journals, 850,000 maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and 1,703 bibliographic and fulltext databases.

More than 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.  The UBC Library Strategic Plan 2010-2015 can be viewed at www.library.ubc.ca/strategicplan/. To learn more about working with UBC Library and to explore our aspirational values visit UBC Library - Why work with us.

The Asian Library is a hub of scholarship, learning and community connections, where research meets community.  The Asian Library’s collections, totalling over 637,000 volumes across Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indic languages, provide key resources in support of teaching and research of Asian studies. The Council on East Asian Libraries consistently ranks UBC among the best in the world—#1 in Canada and #12 in library holdings across North America.  The Asian Library’s rare and special materials further distinguish it as a top-tier research library.  For more information about the Asian Library, please visit us at http://asian.library.ubc.ca/.

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Provides reference, information services and collection development in support of Chinese studies.  Assumes responsibility for liaison with scholars working with Chinese language materials.  Provides instruction and assistance in the use of information resources. Supervises the handling and recording of Chinese materials.  Routinely works with technical services staff (acquisitions, cataloguing, serials, and e-resources) relating to Chinese language materials.  Participates in selection, configuration and presentation of electronic resources in the Chinese language. Acts as liaison with the Chinese specialists at the University and the Chinese-Canadian community, and serves on the University’s Chinese Studies committees.  Participates in the development of library policies, procedures, and services as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:
•    Graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science
•    Excellent proficiency in reading, written, spoken Chinese as well as an excellent command of spoken and written English is required.
•    An academic background in Chinese history and literature is desirable.
•    Familiarity with the bibliography of Chinese language materials is essential.
•    Demonstrated knowledge of RDA, AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification, USMARC, LC/CanMarc formats is required. 
•    Knowledge of the Pin-yin romanization system is essential.
•    Strong computer skills, including word-processing for English and Chinese, as well as knowledge of bibliographic databases.
•    Demonstrated ability to initiate, plan and carry out projects, both independently and as a member of a team
•    Knowledge of electronic information technologies and their applications to reference, as well as knowledge of best practices in online learning pedagogies
•    Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively as a member of a team
•    Ability to adjust to and accommodate changing demands within Libraries and academic institutions
•    Experience in an academic library setting

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Reports to the Head, Asian Library.  Consults with colleagues and faculty members on difficult issues.  Supervises student assistants as required. Works with the cataloguers and the Head of the Central Technical Services in matters concerning original cataloguing.
DUTIES:

REFERENCE SERVICES
1.    Provides reference and information services to faculty, students, and other users.  As the librarian responsible for Chinese language materials, advises and assists in difficult or extensive searches and evaluations in this area.  Uses the full range of electronic and print sources.  Develops web resources to support and extend reference services.
2.    Develops and participates in instruction programs related to the Chinese language collection and the use of information sources.  Undertakes specialized instructional programs.  Prepares guides and handouts in electronic and paper formats and organizes user groups on the advanced use of electronic resources.
3.    Assists users in locating Chinese materials from other East Asian collections in North America and Asia and facilitates interlibrary loans when required.
4.    Initiates and maintains contact with faculty using the Chinese language collections.  Participates in committee work as required.

TECHNICAL SERVICES, COLLECTIONS DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT
1.    Selects material for the Chinese language collections and materials from the collection for storage, both print and electronic, according to curricular and research needs of faculty and students.  Suggests new print and electronic serials titles based on faculty needs and monitors and evaluates the Chinese language periodical collections.  Assists in the development of collection policies.
2.    For electronic material in Chinese language, works with the Head, Asian Library and other library staff to create access and resolve user support issues, which may include licensing, systems configuration, presentation and evaluation. 
3.    Suggests new print and electronic serials titles based on faculty needs and monitors and evaluates the Chinese language periodical collections.  Assists with the selection of materials for storage. Assists in the development of collection policies.
4.    Supports the work of Asian Language Team members in Central Technical Services. Provides subject expertise and/or assigns LC subject headings to Chinese language materials as required.
5.    Collects, collates and prepares Chinese monographs and serials for binding, ensuring binding quotas and deadlines are met.
6.    Supports the acquisition of Chinese materials including the EDI procedures and serials.
7.    Maintains and facilitates access to the Chinese special collections.
8.    Assesses, selects and processes materials received as gifts or on exchange.  Performs monetary evaluations as required.
9.    Manages the Chinese book funds.
10.    Keeps up with literature and research developments in support of the Asian Library.  Maintains expertise in electronic information resources and technologies and assists in the acquisition and application of Chinese software for technical services.
11.    Evening and weekend work may be required.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
1.    Services as liaison with the Chinese-Canadian Community.
2.    Prepares or curates a book display or exhibit on China/Chinese Studies.
3.    Organizes a community engagement activities or events related to China/Chinese Studies.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

This is a fixed term appointment from December 1, 2015 – November 30, 2016 at 50% FTE.

We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 3 years of experience.  However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply.  Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. The University especially welcomes applications from visible minority groups, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply. However, Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.

Applications will include: a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above; a detailed and current curriculum vitae.

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://facultycareers.ubc.ca/21951 by midnight on November 7, 2015.