University of Washington

Description

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE UW LIBRARIES

The University of Washington is one of the best universities in the world, ranked No. 18 globally by the Academic Ranking of World Universities, and No. 6 globally and No. 2 among U.S. public institutions by US News & World Report. The UW receives more federal research dollars than any other U.S. public university; in FY23, the UW received $1.87 billion total research awards (federal and non-federal sources). For more information, please visit the UW home page.

Serving all three UW campuses, the Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. Beyond the strength of its extensive collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent programs and services, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff. The Libraries is committed to integrating equity, diversity, inclusion and anti-racism into all aspects of our work and organizational culture. Learn more about the UW Libraries online.

THE TATEUCHI EAST ASIA LIBRARY

The Tateuchi East Asia Library (TEAL) is one of North America's leading East Asian libraries, known for its outstanding collections, international collaborations, and digital innovation. TEAL supports faculty and students in the Department of Asian Languages and Literature and various East Asia–focused programs within the Jackson School of International Studies. It serves international scholars and local heritage communities as a key resource and cultural hub. Located in Gowen Hall, TEAL features a historic reading room, updated user spaces, and over 800,000 volumes in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and other East Asian languages. More information about the Tateuchi East Asia Library can be found online.

THE POSITION

Reporting to the Director of the 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.

This position is not tenure eligible. This position is represented by SEIU 925 – Libraries. Please see the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement for the Librarian promotion process.

This position is eligible for hybrid work on campus and remote.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND 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.

RANK

Position will be at the rank of Assistant, or Senior Assistant Librarian, depending on qualifications and background. See the Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions of UW Libraries Librarians article in the SEIU 925 UW Libraries 2023-2026 collective bargaining agreement for librarian rank appointment criteria.

BENEFITS

Librarians are academic personnel and participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state’s Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 26 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found on our Benefits page. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.

SALARY

The base salary range for this position will be $5,800-$7,200 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. Other compensation associated with this position may include a moving allowance.

ANTICIPATED START DATE

While we hope to fill the position in Fall 2025, we are happy to work with the successful candidate to explore opportunities for an earlier or later start date.

Qualifications

Required

• 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.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in a field of Chinese Studies, demonstrating broad knowledge across disciplines and with an emphasis on social sciences and humanities.
• Experience managing collection budgets, e-resources, and vendor relations.
• Knowledge of issues involved in maintaining special collections, especially with a view to serving diverse communities.
• Knowledge or experience in digital scholarship and data management, especially as it pertains to Chinese Studies.
• Proficiency in other Asian languages.

Application Instructions

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.

The following documents are required as part of your application for this vacancy:

• Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Director, Libraries Human Resources)
• Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
• List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, and specify current supervisor)
• Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (EDIA) Statement*
• UW Libraries Equity Diversity Inclusion Accessibility (EDIA) Statement Guidelines

Equity is a core value of the UW Libraries and an integral component of the Libraries 2023-2026 Strategic Plan. We aspire to become a truly inclusive and equitable organization. We actively support the University in sustaining diversity, creating inclusive experiences for the UW community, and confronting institutional bias and structural racism. In your application, please include a separate statement of no more than 300 words that describes your potential or experience to support and contribute to the Libraries’ commitment to providing equitable services and resources to all people, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, or veteran status.

For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at libjobs@uw.edu.