General Summary:
The University of Chicago Library empowers users with deep and rich collections, extensive expertise, innovative programs, and diverse spaces. We are committed to cultivating an inclusive community, enhancing access to scholarly resources, advancing digital scholarship, engaging locally and globally, and excelling in a changing environment. Home to one of the most comprehensive and dynamic East Asian collections, the University of Chicago is an active partner and collaborator in both the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Ivy Plus Libraries.
The Library is seeking a collaborative, service-oriented, and forward-thinking individual for the position of Japanese Studies Librarian. The incumbent of this position manages the Japanese Studies collection and develops and delivers research services to a wide range of users across the University, as well as engages in community, to support new methods and innovations in research. The ideal candidate possesses skills and abilities to help transform collections, instruction, outreach, and reference and is creative in solving problems in a collaborative environment.
Responsibilities:
Reporting to the Director of the East Asian Collection, the Japanese Studies Librarian will perform the following duties, but not limited to:
· Serve as liaison to the Japanese Studies students and faculty across departments, professional schools, and programs.
· Contribute to the development, promotion, preservation, and assessment of distinctive, interdisciplinary, multi-format, and intersectional collections that serve the wide-ranging needs of students and faculty.
· Work with the Japanese Studies Librarian and/or East Asian Studies Librarian in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Ivy Plus Libraries for collaborative collection development and/or services.
· Collaborate with other subject librarians as appropriate to provide research services and outreach and participate in digital initiatives.
· Perform original and complex copy cataloging for Japanese language materials using national and local standards.
· Participate in departmental and library-wide projects, initiatives, committees and task forces.
· Contribute to the profession through engagement with colleagues across the library and other peer networks.
· Perform other duties as assigned.
Required:
·Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited institution of library and information science or advanced degree in a relevant academic discipline.
·Demonstrated native or bilingual proficiency in written and spoken Japanese and excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
·Demonstrated ability to work effectively, as part of a team and independently, in a culturally diverse and constantly changing environment..
Preferred:
·Advanced knowledge of Japanese history, literature, and culture.
·Knowledge of Japanese publishing industry, book trade, and latest developments in Japanese resources.
·Knowledge of classical Japanese and/or other East Asian languages.
·Knowledge of current relevant library trends and issues.
·Experience working in an academic library.
·Experience working with cataloging and/or acquisitions modules in a library management system.
·Experience using digital scholarship methodologies and tools.
·Demonstrated user-centered commitment to public service, including outreach and service excellence.
·Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and active involvement in the library profession.
To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: http://apply.interfolio.com/191060 Review of applications will begin after September 10, 2026. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
Salary and Benefits: $59,500- $70,000. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.
This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook
Questions: Contact the University Library Human Resources department at libraryhr@uchicago.edu.
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination
Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-834-3988 or email equalopportunity@uchicago.edu with their request.
