Librarian for Japanese Studies at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Job Description:

Harvard University


Position Title: Librarian for Japanese Studies

Req ID: 67718BR

School or Unit: Harvard College Library

Description: Job Summary

Although this position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by end of day on March 15, 2025.

The Harvard-Yenching Library seeks an energetic, collaborative, and user-centered Librarian for the Japanese Collection. Reporting to the Librarian of the Harvard-Yenching Library, the Librarian for the Japanese Collection is responsible for developing and managing the Japanese language collection, providing reference services related to Japanese studies for faculty, students, and researchers, and various other services.

Position Description

• Acquire primary source materials and scholarly publications related to Japanese studies in various formats.
• Develop and expand Japanese holdings within the Special Collection of the Harvard-Yenching Library.
• Works closely with faculty in shaping the collections according to the needs of research and the curriculum.
• Manage the stacks of the Japanese Collection.
• Provide comprehensive reference services for Japanese studies to users both at Harvard and beyond.
• Update and manage online resource guides specific to Japanese studies.
• Collaborate with the Special Collection Librarian and Archivist to create and maintain finding aids for Japanese materials in the Special Collection.
• Work with the Digital Scholarship Librarian and Harvard Library Imaging Services to digitize unique and rare holdings in the Japanese collection.
• Partner with Harvard Library Preservation Services to conserve and preserve Japanese collection materials.
• Engage with librarians from other Harvard libraries (e.g., Widener Library, Houghton Library, Fine Arts Library, Law School Library) to develop and promote Japanese studies resources.
• Represent Harvard-Yenching Library on Harvard Library committees and groups.
• Participate in the FAS Liaisons.
• Monitor the acquisition of Japanese studies materials in non-Japanese languages. Provide suggestions to fellow librarians as needed.
• Promote the Japanese Collection through conference presentations, exhibitions, and written materials.
• Participate in classroom instructions, exhibitions, outreach programs, and other activities that utilize materials from the Japanese Collection.
• Participate in inter-institutional initiatives for coordinated collection development, digitization, and other projects.
• Represent Harvard in regional, national, and international meetings and collaborations (e.g., CEAL, NCC, ReCAP, IPLC) related to Japanese studies resources.
• Contributes to the overall goals of the department as appropriate
• Ensure responsible financial management, tracking expenses, and following Harvard University's financial policies, procedures, and protocols. In partnership with HL Finance, ensure accountability and compliance with fiduciary requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Train and supervise up to 1-2 students or temporary staff members on special projects.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.

Basic Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Japanese Studies or a closely related field, including anthropology, art history, history, language/linguistics, literature, political science, religion, and sociology, with a focus on Japan.
• An MLIS degree or a minimum of three years of experience working in an academic library.
• Excellent proficiency in both English and Japanese languages.
• Excellent knowledge of Japan's academic publishing industry and book trade.
• Experience with traditional and emerging collection development and management strategies.
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the latest trends and methodologies in the field of Japanese studies, both within Japan and internationally.
• Proven proficiency in utilizing digital resources and methodologies relevant to Japanese studies.
• Dedication to providing user service within an academic library setting.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing online library catalogs such as WorldCat, HOLLIS, NDL Search, and CiNii Research.

Additional Qualifications and Skills

• Ph.D. in Japanese Studies preferred.
• Proficiency in reading an East Asian language other than Japanese, and/or a European language other than English.
• In-depth knowledge of the history of the Japanese book.
• Familiarity with the market of Japanese antique books.
• Demonstrated record of a collaborative approach to work and problem solving.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism in library, university, and professional contexts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleagues.
• Capacity to thrive in a changing working environment, to initiate and adapt to change, and to be flexible.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research trends and the scholarly process.
• Experience in negotiating with vendors and publishers.
• An active record of professional engagement in collection development.
• Demonstrated experience training, scheduling, and distributing work to student or temporary staff.

Working Conditions

• The position is based on site in Cambridge, MA. There may be the opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.
• It is anticipated that this role will be on campus two to three days a week, and have the option for remote the other days, dependent on business needs.
• Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.
• May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants.
• The work associated with this position is performed in a library/office setting.
• At times may work in basements, attics, warehouses, and other records storage areas.
• At times will need to travel locally or more broadly.

Additional Information

• Unfortunately, we are unable to provide work authorization and/or visa sponsorship (current or in the future).
• Typically, a new hire can expect a starting salary somewhere in the lower part of the range. The amount will vary based on the position and the candidate's relevant experience.

Benefits

We invite you to visit Harvard's Total Rewards website (https://hr.harvard.edu/totalrewards) to learn more about our outstanding benefits package, which may include:

• Paid Time Off: 3-4 weeks of accrued vacation time per year (3 weeks for support staff and 4 weeks for administrative/professional staff), 12 accrued sick days per year, 12.5 holidays plus a Winter Recess in December/January, 3 personal days per year (prorated based on date of hire), and up to 12 weeks of paid leave for new parents who are primary care givers.
• Health and Welfare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, disability and life insurance programs, along with voluntary benefits. Most coverage begins as of your start date.
• Work/Life and Wellness: Child and elder/adult care resources including on campus childcare centers, Employee Assistance Program, and wellness programs related to stress management, nutrition, meditation, and more.
• Retirement: University-funded retirement plan with contributions from 5% to 15% of eligible compensation, based on age and earnings with full vesting after 3 years of service.
• Tuition Assistance Program: Competitive program including $40 per class at the Harvard Extension School and reduced tuition through other participating Harvard graduate schools.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Program that provides 75% to 90% reimbursement up to $5,250 per calendar year for eligible courses taken at other accredited institutions.
• Professional Development: Programs and classes at little or no cost, including through the Harvard Center for Workplace Development and LinkedIn Learning.
• Commuting and Transportation: Various commuter options handled through the Parking Office, including discounted parking, half-priced public transportation passes and pre-tax transit passes, biking benefits, and more.
• Harvard Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks: Access to Harvard athletic and fitness facilities, libraries, campus events, credit union, and more, as well as discounts to various types of services (legal, financial, etc.) and cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.

LinkedIn Recruiter Tag (for internal use only)

#LI-MG1

Department Office Location: USA - MA - Cambridge

Job Code: 386058 Library Manager

Job Function: Library

Work Format: Hybrid (partially on-site, partially remote)

Sub Unit: ------------

Salary Grade: 058

Department: Harvard Yenching Library

Salary Range: $87,700 - $150,900

Union: 00 - Non Union, Exempt or Temporary

Time Status: Full-time

Pre-Employment Screening: Criminal, Education, Identity


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