Asian Studies & Reparative Metadata Librarian

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

Coordinate the review and subsequent revision of library data to eliminate offensive, outdated language, and enhance access by refining terminology and vocabularies for cultural competency and inclusivity. Actively catalog materials in Asian languages in a variety of formats using rules and standards such as RDA, LCSH, LCC, MARC, Dublin Core, EAD, VRA Core, METS, MODS, etc. Participate in discussions relating to discovery, access, retrieval, and management of objects in ILS, discovery, and digital repository systems. Advise on the application of appropriate current and emerging cataloging/metadata schema to facilitate access to digital resources and physical collections. Train others on cataloging/metadata creation and management and work closely with staff throughout the Libraries to provide access to the Libraries’ collections.

Essential Functions

• Holistically create and respectfully and ethically manage library data for UMass Amherst’s scholarly output and distinctive collections to support discovery, access, administration, and preservation.
• Work with local, regional, and national partners to ensure UMass Amherst’s distinctive collections are available in an inclusive manner to advance teaching, learning, and research.
• Create and maintain metadata for description, authority control, discovery, access, administration, and preservation of both digital and physical objects produced, acquired, or held by the Libraries for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean (CJK) language materials, including original and/or enhanced records as appropriate.
• Investigate new tools and standards and assist with the development of best practices related to cataloging/metadata as it relates to East Asian languages or reparative metadata.
• Leverage language and research skills to support Libraries staff in research assistance, instruction, outreach, and community engagement, especially related to the East Asian Languages and and Cultures Department, Asian and Asian American Studies certificate program, Five Colleges Asian/Pacific American Studies program, the Yuri Kochiyama Cultural Center, and similar academic and cultural programs.
• Leverage language and research skills to assist Interlibrary Loan in citation verification, purchasing or requesting materials, and communication with lending and borrowing institutions to fulfill patron requests.
• Assist with metadata quality and authority control, cleanup, editing, enhancement, migration, mapping and transformations.
• Cultivate new models of engagement by partnering with faculty, staff, and students to inform cataloging practices.
• Cross-train with other unit and department staff; provide daily support to one another as needed
• Contribute to the development, documentation and communication of departmental and Five College metadata workflows, policies, guidelines and procedures.
• Engage in outreach with local, regional, national, and international communities, as representatives of the university and the Libraries.
• Participate in library service and professional development activities as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives.
• Demonstrate, foster, and cultivate a positive, proactive internal and external customer service culture amongst staff and student staff.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the department, the Libraries, and the university.

Other Functions

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Organizational Values

• Commitment to support justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) within the Libraries and across the institution
• Ability to build and sustain effective working relationships and work collaboratively in a diverse and fast-paced environment
• Purposefully promote a One Library environment for all that encourages inclusion, personal growth, respect, self-reflection, curiosity, and continuous learning
• Understands responsibilities with respect to conflicts of interest and behaves in ways consistent with both law and with university policy

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Master's degree in library science or equivalent degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or its equivalent in librarianship from another country, or appropriate equivalent experience.
• Proficiency in Chinese, Japanese, or Korean.
• Knowledge of cataloging standards and best practices, including but not limited to, Library of Congress Classification, Library of Congress Subject Headings and other LC controlled vocabularies, MARC formats, RDA, LC-PCC Policy Statements, OLAC Best Practices.
• Knowledge of metadata editing and transformation tools and techniques.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems or library services platforms, discovery systems, digital repositories, and OCLC cataloging tools.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player in maintaining harmonious, cooperative working relationships with staff, faculty, and administrators.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills, particularly the ability to explain complex concepts to a wide variety of people in individual and group settings.
• A demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Working knowledge of additional Asian languages.
• Familiarity with developments in reparative and inclusive cataloging.
• Experience with integrated library systems or library services platforms, discovery systems, digital repositories, and OCLC cataloging tools.

Work Schedule

• The regular working schedule for this position is Monday - Friday, day hours.
• The incumbent of the position is expected to work on a flexible schedule, which includes some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
• This position has the opportunity for a hybrid work schedule, which is defined by the University as an arrangement where an employee’s work is regularly performed at a location other than the campus workspace for a portion of the week. As this position falls within the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) Union, it is subject to the terms and conditions of the MSP collective bargaining agreement.

Salary Information

• Librarian I or II
  1. Librarian I salary floor: $55,000
  2. Librarian II salary floor: $61,500
• Salary commensurate with experienc.

Benefits

University benefits may differ based on collective bargaining agreements (unions). Please see below for the potential benefits MSP Librarians can be entitled to obtain: benefits for the Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) members and benefits for MSP Librarians positions:

• Human Resources: Faculty & Staff General Benefits
• Massachusetts Society of Professors (MSP) Benefits
• MSP Librarian Positions Benefits

Promotion

MSP Librarian positions are eligible for promotion, defined as a change in rank as a librarian from one rank to the next higher rank. The bargaining unit member who gets a promotion shall receive the base salary increase in line with the MSP collective bargaining agreement. You can view the MSP Collective Bargaining Agreement, particularly, article 20, to learn more about MSP Librarian Personnel Actions, including promotion, appointment, reappointment, and continuing appointment.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three (3) professional references.

The University is committed to active recruitment of a diverse faculty and student body. The University of Massachusetts Amherst is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer of women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities and encourages applications from these and other protected group members. Because broad diversity is essential to an inclusive climate and critical to the University’s goals of achieving excellence in all areas, we will holistically assess the many qualifications of each applicant and favorably consider an individual’s record working with students and colleagues with broadly diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds in educational, research or other work activities. We will also favorably consider experience overcoming or helping others overcome barriers to an academic career and degree.