Skip to main content

Chinese Cataloging Librarian - Library

We are no longer accepting applications for this recruitment. Browse open recruitments

Position description

Chinese Cataloging Librarian
C. V. Starr East Asian Library
Hiring Range: Associate Librarian–Librarian
$53,913–$76,344 per annum, based on qualifications
This is a full-time appointment available starting June 2017

The Environment
The UC Berkeley Library is an internationally renowned research and teaching facility at one of the nation’s premier public universities. In a highly diverse and intellectually rich environment, Berkeley serves a campus community of 27,500 undergraduate students, 10,700 graduate students, and 2,000 faculty. The Library comprises 20 campus libraries, including the Doe/Moffitt Libraries, the Bancroft Library, the C. V. Starr East Asian Library, and subject specialty libraries. With a collection of more than 11 million volumes and a collections budget of over $15 million, the Library offers extensive collections in all formats and robust services to connect users with those collections and build their related research skills.

The C. V. Starr East Asian Library of the University of California, Berkeley houses one of the largest research collections of print and electronic books and periodicals, manuscripts, rare editions, and graphics in the East Asian languages outside of Asia. Its comprehensive holdings encompass over 1 million print volumes, over 800,000 e-books and electronic journals, over 80,000 microfilms and media items, and over 3,000 current print serial titles. Languages represented include Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and to a lesser extent, Tibetan, Manchu, and Mongolian. The East Asian Library supports teaching and research on East Asia, serving the campus community and a substantial number of off-campus users.

The Library’s Technical Services unit processes Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language materials for the East Asian Library, all other libraries within the University Library system, and affiliated libraries on campus. It employs nine career staff in addition to temporary and student employees. Its operations include original and copy cataloging, serials processing, and the cataloging of digital resources using appropriate metadata schema to facilitate access to digital collections.

Responsibilities:
The Chinese Cataloging Librarian reports to the Head of the East Asian Library’s Technical Services unit. The librarian performs original cataloging of books, serials, manuscripts, audio-visual materials, e-resources, microfilm, maps, and other library materials in the Chinese language. All original cataloging is performed in compliance with national and local standards such as MARC21, RDA, LCSH, LCCS, and other appropriate cataloging and metadata standards. The Chinese Cataloging Librarian performs original and complex descriptive and subject cataloging, classification, and authority work, creating and maintaining bibliographic records and establishing and revising authority records for the national database as well as for Berkeley's integrated library system and NACO. The librarian remains current with existing and emerging cataloging policies, practices, standards, schema, and procedures, including FRBR and non-MARC metadata.

In addition, the Chinese Cataloging Librarian prepares in-house training materials and advises cataloging staff on cataloging-related issues, participates in the formulation of general cataloging policy and system design, and conducts special cataloging projects relating to Chinese materials. Occasionally, the Chinese Cataloging Librarian provides reference services on questions related to the use of the catalogs and other finding tools.

In addition to cataloging responsibilities, the incumbent will represent the Library in regional, national, and international cooperative programs concerning technical processing. The successful candidate should stay abreast of national trends and new developments in cataloging, with an emphasis on Chinese resources, and network with other library professionals within the Berkeley Library system as well as outside the University. The incumbent will also perform other related duties as assigned.

UC Berkeley librarians are expected to participate in library-wide planning and governance, and work effectively in a shared decision-making environment.
Advancement is partially based upon professional contributions beyond the primary assignment; the successful candidate will show evidence or promise of such contributions to the Library, campus, UC System, and profession.

Basic Qualifications Required by Time of Application
• MLS from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent degree
• Expert knowledge of written and spoken Chinese, including classical Chinese
• Demonstrated oral and written skills in Chinese and English
• Substantial knowledge of MARC21, RDA, LCSH, LCCS
• Familiarity with the Pinyin system of romanization

Additional Required Qualifications
• Ability to create and maintain authority records to NACO standards
• In-depth knowledge of Chinese history and culture
• A strong commitment to excellence in service and a demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a complex, changing environment
• Demonstrated analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, initiative, and flexibility

Preferred Qualifications
• Knowledge of library applications of computer technology and electronic information resources
• Two or more years’ original cataloging experience working with Chinese materials in a research library setting and using a bibliographic utility such as OCLC Connexion and a local library system
• Professional contributions such as publications, active participation in professional organizations, and other research or professional activities
• An additional advanced degree in an appropriate subject area or knowledge of East Asian studies as an academic discipline

The Library at the University of California, Berkeley is committed to the support and encouragement of a multicultural environment and seeks candidates who can make positive contributions in a context of ethnic and cultural diversity.

UC professional librarians are academic appointees and are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent, University Council-American Federation of Teachers (UC-AFT). This position is in the bargaining unit.

Librarians are entitled to appropriate professional development leave, vacation leave, sick leave, and all other benefits granted to non-faculty academic personnel. The University has an excellent retirement system and sponsors a variety of group health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans in addition to other benefits.

This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Submit applications online at https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF01238 Applications must include a cover letter detailing a statement of qualifications, curriculum vitae noting degrees and relevant work experience, and the names and contact information of three references who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s qualifications for this position. References will only be contacted for individuals under serious consideration.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Send inquiries to:
Susan E. Wong
Director, Library Human Resources Library Human Resources Department 110 Doe Library
University of California Berkeley, CA 94720–6000 librec@library.berkeley.edu (510) 642–3778

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Curriculum Vitae - C.V. noting degrees and relevant work experience

  • Cover Letter - Cover letter detailing a statement of qualifiacations

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA