Korean Studies Librarian

Position Title: Korean Studies Librarian

Location: Chicago, IL

Position Type: OAA - University Librarian

Open Date: December 21, 2023

Position Description

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 Korean Studies Librarian. The Korean Studies Librarian manages the Korean 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 Korean Studies Librarian will perform the following duties, but not limited to:

  • Serve as liaison to the Korean Studies students and faculty across departments, professional schools, and programs
  • Contribute to the development, promotion, preservation, and assessment of interdisciplinary, multi-format, and intersectional collections that serve the wide-ranging needs of students and faculty
  • Participate in the cooperative collection development program of the Korean Collections Consortium of North America and work with the Korean 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 Korean language materials following 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

Qualifications

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 Korean 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 Korean history, literature, and culture
  • Knowledge of Korean publishing industry, book trade, and latest developments in Korean resources
  • Demonstrated 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
  • Knowledge of other East Asian languages
  • Demonstrated user-centered commitment to public service, including outreach and service excellence
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and active involvement in the library profession
  • Demonstrated commitment to achieving diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the community

Required Documents

C.V.

Cover Letter

Contact Reference

Application Instructions

To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: https://apply.interfolio.com/138532 Review of applications will begin after January 22, 2024. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

Salary and Benefits: Appointment salary based on qualifications and experience. Benefits include retirement plan, insurance, and paid time off.

Questions: Contact Library Human Resources at libraryhr@uchicago.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All University departments and institutes are charged with building a faculty from a diversity of backgrounds and with diverse viewpoints; with cultivating an inclusive community that values freedom of expression; and with welcoming and supporting all their members.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages diverse perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange. The University’s Statements on Diversity are at https://provost.uchicago.edu/statements-diversity.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected 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.