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Asian Studies Librarian Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NY · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Visiting Assistant Professor (Taiwan Studies) The Department of Asian Studies at Cornell University ... Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local ...

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Asian Studies Librarian information

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$31K

$65.2K

$102.5K

How much do asian studies librarian jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for asian studies librarian in the United States is $65,193.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $75,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an Asian Studies Librarian do?

An Asian Studies Librarian is a specialized academic librarian who manages collections and provides research support related to Asian countries, cultures, and languages. They curate and maintain resources such as books, journals, and digital materials focused on East, South, and Southeast Asia. Additionally, they assist students and faculty with research, teach information literacy, and often collaborate on events or exhibits that promote Asian studies. Their expertise helps ensure that library collections reflect the breadth and depth of Asian scholarship.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Asian Studies Librarian?

To thrive as an Asian Studies Librarian, you need expertise in Asian languages and cultures, a master's degree in library and information science, and specialized subject knowledge. Familiarity with library management systems, digital archives, and metadata standards is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural sensitivity, and research support skills help build strong relationships with patrons and faculty. These skills ensure effective resource curation, user support, and scholarly collaboration in academic or research libraries.

What are some common challenges faced by Asian Studies Librarians in managing specialized collections?

Asian Studies Librarians often encounter challenges such as sourcing and cataloging materials in multiple Asian languages, staying current with evolving research trends, and balancing the needs of diverse users—from students to specialized faculty researchers. They may also need to collaborate with international vendors and navigate differing publication standards. Proactive communication with faculty and ongoing professional development are key to effectively managing these dynamic and unique collections.

What cities are hiring for Asian Studies Librarian jobs?

Cities with the most Asian Studies Librarian job openings:

What states have the most Asian Studies Librarian jobs?

States with the most job openings for Asian Studies Librarian jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Asian Studies Librarian jobs?

For Asian Studies Librarian jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Asian Studies Librarian job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,193 per year, or $31.3 per hour.

Japanese Studies Librarian

Chicago, IL • On-site

The University of Chicago
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

$59K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


University Of Chicago rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 47 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

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 Japanese Studies Librarian. The incumbent of this position manages the Japanese 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:
  • Serve as the Library's primary expert and liaison for Japanese Studies, independently cultivating and sustaining relationships with students and faculty across departments, professional schools, and programs.
  • Lead the development, promotion, preservation, and assessment of distinctive, interdisciplinary, multi-format, and intersectional Japanese studies collections that serve the wide-ranging needs of students and faculty.
  • Design, deliver and assess a comprehensive program of research services, instruction, and outreach for Japanese Studies adapting to the shifting pedagogical and research needs across the university.
  • Manage the Japanese Studies acquisition budget, making strategic allocation decisions and maintaining accountability for expenditures and vendor relationships
  • Serve as the primary representative for the Library on Japanese Studies in the Big Ten Academic Alliance and the Ivy Plus Libraries, actively contributing to collaborative collection development initiatives and services innovations.
  • Collaborate with subject librarians and digital scholarship units on complex, cross-functional initiatives involving Japanese language materials, contributing subject expertise and taking ownership of the Japanese Studies dimensions of those projects.
  • Perform original and complex copy cataloging for Japanese language materials using national and local standards and serve as a local resource for cataloging questions involving Jpanese language content.
  • Actively participate in departmental, divisional and library-wide projects, initiatives, committees and task forces.
  • Represent the Library externally through active engagement with professional organizations, consortia, and scholarly communities, and contribute meaningfully to the advancement of the profession through publications, presentations or leadership roles in relevant professional associations.
  • 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 Japanese 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.
  • Demonstrated user-centered commitment to public service, including outreach and service excellence.
  • Advanced knowledge of Japanese history, literature, and culture.
  • Minimum 3 years of experience working in an academic or other type of research library.

Preferred:
  • MA or PhD in Japanese studies
  • Knowledge of Japanese publishing industry, book trade, and latest developments in Japanese resources
  • Knowledge of classical Japanese and/or other East Asian languages
  • Knowledge of current relevant library trends and issues
  • Experience working in an academic library
  • Experience using digital scholarship methodologies and tools
  • Demonstrated commitment to continuing education and active involvement in the library profession

Application Instructions
To Apply: Submit cover letter, curriculum vitae, and reference contact information online through the University of Chicago's Academic Recruiting website: http://apply.interfolio.com/191060. Review of applications will begin after October 9, 2026. Screening of applications will continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.
Salary and Benefits: $59,500- $70,000. The position also includes a relocation allowance for qualifying expenses.
This position is benefits-eligible. The University of Chicago offers a wide range of benefits programs and resources for eligible employees, including health, retirement, and paid time off. Information about the benefit offerings can be found in the Benefits Guidebook.
Questions: Contact the University Library Human Resources department at libraryhr@uchicago.edu.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Chicago is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, shared ancestry, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or 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.
The University of Chicago uses AI-assisted tools to streamline and augment some recruitment processes; however, AI is not used to make hiring decisions.

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