China Studies Librarian, University of Washington, (Seattle, WA)

Posted June 26, 2025

Job Description

Reporting to the Director of the Tateuchi East Asia Library (TEAL), the China Studies Librarian provides liaison services to the China Studies Program, the Taiwan Studies Program, the East Asia Center, and Asian Language and Literature: Chinese. The position selects materials and manages the acquisitions budget for the Chinese and Taiwan collection; provides bibliographic and reference assistance to users of materials on Chinese/Taiwan studies; and provides user orientation and instruction to students and faculty in the programs. The position also collaborates effectively within a team environment and works closely with other subject librarians at the TEAL and serves as a member of the Arts & Humanities Liaison Team.

Position Duties

Initiates and establishes liaison relationships with faculty, students, and staff in the China Studies Program, the Taiwan Studies Program, Asian Languages and Literature: Chinese, and other China studies programs, providing orientations, instruction, consultation services, and reference assistance. Communicates regularly with faculty and participates in departmental activities as appropriate. Creates and maintains research guides and other tools for areas of responsibility. Analyzes and assesses the information needs of primary clientele and develops new and sustainable services accordingly.
Selects materials in all formats to support research and teaching for the China Studies and languages and literatures programs. Periodically evaluates the content and condition of the collections. Manages Libraries state, gift, and grant funds allocated to China and Taiwan studies. Participates in regional and national cooperative collection development programs as appropriate and beneficial to the UW Libraries and its users.
Meets with individuals interested in donating funding in support of Chinese collections, services, programming, or facilities.
Represents the UW Libraries in promoting the Chinese collections to the local Chinese/Taiwanese community and organizations.
Demonstrates ongoing professional development and represents the Libraries in associations and programs related to Chinese/Taiwanese collections.
As a member of the Arts and Humanities Liaison Team, participates in regular meetings, contributes to shared goals, and collaborates with other subject librarians on projects to enhance services to users.
Understands and abides by the Libraries Personal Communication Responsibilities. Communicates appropriately, effectively, and positively. Plays an active role in staying informed and participating in Libraries and unit meetings, activities, and events.
Participates in Libraries and University committees, as well as digital initiatives, scholarly communication, and assessment efforts.

Qualifications

Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity and understanding of the contributions a diverse workforce brings to the workplace.
Minimum of one year post-MLS (or equivalent degree) professional experience working in a library or library-related position.
Excellent communication skills (to read, write, and converse) in English and Chinese.
Proficiency in modern and pre-modern Chinese, including traditional Chinese and simplified Chinese, as well as the Chinese Romanization system (Pinyin).
Knowledge of the history, politics, literature and cultures of China and its surrounding region.
Knowledge of scholarly resources, reference tools, electronic resources, and contemporary research scholarship in Chinese Studies.
Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills.
Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.

Hours & Compensation

Full-time
$5,800-$7,200 per month

How to Apply

Apply here.

Applications received by 8:59 p.m. PDT/11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 27, 2025, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis at the discretion of the unit.