South Asia Studies Librarian

Digital Library Federation; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 66,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

An established academic institution is seeking a South Asia Studies Librarian to enhance the visibility and accessibility of its South Asia Collection. This role emphasizes collaboration with faculty and librarians, development of educational resources, and engagement in scholarly activities. The ideal candidate will possess an advanced degree in Asian Studies or a related field, along with strong communication and organizational skills. The position offers a dynamic environment where creativity and strategic thinking are encouraged, making it a perfect opportunity for those passionate about librarianship and South Asian studies. Join a vibrant community dedicated to scholarship and education!

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Asian Studies or related discipline focused on South Asia.
• Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred.

Responsibilities

• Curate and promote South Asia Collection and provide reference support.
• Collaborate with faculty and librarians to enhance access to resources.

Skills

Knowledge of South Asian languages

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Collaborative skills

Creative thinking

Education

Advanced degree in Asian Studies

Master’s degree in library and/or information science

Job description

Cornell University Library seeks a South Asia Studies Librarian to develop, make accessible, and promote holdings of the South Asia Collection with the Cornell’s Kroch Asia Collections.

Reporting to the Acting Director of the Asia Collections, the South Asia Studies Librarian will provide subject expertise and leadership to curate collections focusing on South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan). They will collaborate with fellow Cornell librarians and faculty members to publicize the collection and expand access to its unique resources through digital initiatives, teaching, and exhibitions to scholarly and global audiences. They will create course-integrated instruction, public programming, and educational resources to support use of the collection. The Librarian will deliver reference support for the collection and serve as a liaison to the Department of Asian Studies and the South Asia Program to support the educational mission of the University. Working closely with the Assistant Director, Metadata Production, the Librarian will bring focus and care to the creation and editing of bibliographic and authority data for materials in South Asian languages. They will perform both original and copy cataloging of materials in a wide variety of formats, assign subject headings and call numbers to bibliographic records, and support the maintenance of accurate catalog records.

As a Research, Teaching, and Extension (RTE) faculty member, the South Asia Studies Librarian will engage in service, scholarship, and ongoing professional development to meet the requirements of promotion and reappointment at Cornell University Library.

Candidate Profile

• An advanced degree in Asian Studies or a related discipline with a focus on South Asia, or a deep knowledge of the region.
• Working knowledge of one or more languages of South Asia. This may include the ability to speak, read, or write in the language.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for the responsibilities of librarianship. This could include a Master’s degree in library and/or information science from an ALA-accredited institution, an advanced degree in a related discipline, up to three years of experience in an academic or research library, or a strong desire to learn on the job.
• Demonstrated ability to build effective working relationships and collaborative partnerships with diverse groups, including faculty, staff, students, and administrators.
• Ability to work well under pressure, handle simultaneous demands, and meet deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically and to communicate that vision.

This position is located in Ithaca, New York. The selected candidate will typically work on the Ithaca campus 5 days per week, with potential for entering into a flexible work arrangement to allow remote work 1 day per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

We expect to fill this position at the academic rank of Assistant Librarian. The anticipated salary range is $66,000-$72,000 and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How to Apply

All candidates must apply online via the Cornell Careers site. See job requisition ID WDR-00049569. For full consideration, please include the following with your application:

1. A cover letter that addresses your interest and why you are a good candidate for this position.
2. A Curriculum Vitae.
3. A statement supporting diverse communities. To continue to meet our educational, research and service goals and to meet our commitment to our founding principle, we hire and invest in faculty members who share our historical commitment to pursuing knowledge for …any person…in any study.

We will review applications on a rolling basis and we strongly encourage early submission. Although we prefer to receive your application as one, multi-page pdf document, we will accept multiple documents in other formats.