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 2015-2017 can be viewed at http://about.library.ubc.ca/strategic-plan/ 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 Japanese studies. Assumes responsibility for liaison with scholars working with Japanese language materials. Provides instruction and assistance in the use of information resources. Supervises the handling and recording of Japanese materials. Acts as liaison with the Japanese specialists at the University and the Japanese-Canadian community, and serves on the University’s Japanese Studies committees. Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services as required. May be required to work evenings or weekends. Performs other assigned duties and related projects.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required:
- Graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science.
- Academic background in Japanese history and literature.
- Excellent proficiency in reading, written and spoken Japanese, as well as an excellent command of spoken and written English.
- Familiarity with the bibliography of Japanese language materials and the Japanese book trade are essential.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Knowledge of the Hepburn Romanization system and supervisory experience highly desirable.
- Strong computer skills, including word-processing for English and Japanese, 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.
- Knowledge of RDA, AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification and OLCLC is strongly preferred.
- Working knowledge of Korean and Chinese.
- Familiarity with the UBC Library system.
- Familiarity with the UBC Asian Studies department.
Reports to the Head, Asian Library. Consults with colleagues, faculty members, and the Library Development Office, as necessary. Works with the Technical Services staff on the cataloguing and processing of Japanese language materials. May supervise the work of library support staff and student assistants.
DUTIES:
Reference, Instruction and Liaison Services
1. Provides comprehensive reference and research services in Japanese studies. Develops web resources to support and extend reference services. Assists users in locating Japanese materials from other East Asian collections in North America as well as Japan and facilitates inter-library loans when required.
2. Develops and participates in instructional programs related to the Japanese 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. Participates in Library orientations and bibliographic instruction programmes for new students, faculty, and staff.
3. Acts as liaison between the Asian Library and the Japan specialists at UBC in matters concerning the Japanese collections and Library services and other units in the Library System in matters concerning Japanese materials.
4. Translates Japanese into English and English into Japanese within the framework of the services and practices of the Asian Library.
Technical Services, Collection Development and Management
1. Selects material for the Japanese language collections and both print and electronic material for storage, 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 Japanese language periodical collections. Assists in the development of collection policies.
2. For electronic material in Japanese, works with the Head and other library staff to create access and resolve user support issues, which may include licensing, systems configuration, presentation and evaluation.
3. Selects monographs and serials in print and electronic format. Consults with the Head and the AUL, Collections Management in cases of expensive and rare materials.
4. Identifies Japanese language materials that should be moved to a storage facility, or weeded from the collection.
5. Assesses, selects, and processes Japanese materials received through gift or exchange. Initiates requests of book donations from individuals or organizations. Performs monetary evaluations as required.
6. Administers the Japanese Government Publications Depository Programme and scans the new shipments before they are sent to other divisions for processing. Maintains and facilitates access to the Japanese special collections.
7. 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 Japanese software for technical services.
8. Manages the Japanese book funds and monitors expenditures to ensure consistency with the allocations. Assesses, selects and processes materials received as gifts or on exchange. Does monetary evaluations as required.
9. Advises and assists regarding Japanese monographs and serials binding.
10. Works closely with Technical Services staff regarding acquisition and cataloguing of Japanese materials.
Community Engagement
1. Serves as liaison with the Japanese-Canadian Community.
2. Prepares or curates book displays or exhibits on Japan or Japanese Studies.
3. Organizes community engagement activities or events related to Japan or Japanese Studies.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:
This is a full-time term appointment that will end on March 31, 2017.
We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 6 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.
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/22867 by midnight on April 4, 2016.
