Librarian for Japanese Studies

**Although the position will remain posted until filled, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.**

Job Summary:

The Harvard-Yenching Library seeks an energetic, collaborative, and user-centered Librarian for Japanese Studies. Reporting to the Librarian of the Harvard-Yenching Library, the Librarian for Japanese Studies is responsible for developing and managing the Japanese language collection; providing reference and research support services related to Japanese studies for faculty, students, and other researchers; participating in classroom instruction; and other services that support the needs of the Japanese Studies community at Harvard and beyond. 

Job-Specific Responsibilities:

• Work closely with faculty to understand current and emerging research and curricular needs to inform collections and services decisions.
• Work with vendors and donors to acquire and make accessible primary source materials and scholarly publications related to Japanese studies in various formats for both the general/circulating collection and the special collections of the Harvard-Yenching Library.
• Assist the librarians for Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese studies in acquiring Japanese-language scholarly publications relevant to their subject areas.
• Partner with faculty and others to develop and deliver classroom instruction and other learning programs related to Japanese studies.
• Collaborate with Access Services staff and other colleagues to ensure appropriate collection management for the Japanese holdings of the Harvard-Yenching Library.
• Provide comprehensive reference and research support services for Japanese studies for faculty, students, and other researchers at Harvard and the broader scholarly community.
• Update and manage online resource guides specific to Japanese studies.
• Collaborate with the Special Collection Librarian and Archivist to create and maintain finding aids for Japanese materials in the Special Collection.
• Work with the Digital Scholarship Librarian and Harvard Library Imaging Services to facilitate the digitization of unique and rare holdings in the Japanese collection.
• Partner with Harvard Library Preservation Services to facilitate the conservation and preservation of Japanese collection materials.
• Engage with librarians from other Harvard libraries (e.g., Widener Library, Houghton Library, Fine Arts Library, Law School Library) to develop and promote Japanese studies resources.
• Monitor the acquisition of Japanese studies materials in non-Japanese languages across Harvard libraries and provide recommendations to colleagues as appropriate.
• Actively participates in relevant committees, working groups, and task forces across Harvard Library.
• Promote the Japanese Collection through conference presentations, exhibitions, outreach programs, and written materials.
• Participate in inter-institutional initiatives for collaborative collection development, digitization, and other projects.
• Represent Harvard in regional, national, and international meetings and collaborations (e.g., CEAL, NCC, ReCAP, IPLC) related to Japanese studies resources.
• Contribute to the overall goals of the Harvard-Yenching Library and Harvard Library.
• Ensure responsible financial management by following Harvard University’s financial policies, procedures, and protocols. In partnership with Harvard Library Finance, ensure accountability and compliance with fiduciary requirements.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBLITIES:

• Train and supervise up to 1-2 students or temporary staff members on special projects.
• Responsible for effective staff management, including hiring and orientation, training and development, workflow and performance management, and the promotion of an inclusive and innovative work environment.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS) and/or in a related field with a focus on Japanese Studies such as anthropology, area studies, art history, history, language/linguistics, literature, political science, religion, and sociology.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working in an academic or other type of research library.
• Proficiency in both English and Japanese languages.
• Knowledge of Japan’s academic publishing industry and book trade.
• Experience with traditional and emerging collection development and management strategies.
• Demonstrated thorough understanding of the latest trends and methodologies in the field of Japanese studies, both within Japan and internationally.
• Proven proficiency in utilizing digital resources and methodologies relevant to Japanese studies.
• Dedication to providing reference, research, and teaching services within an academic library setting.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in utilizing online library catalogs such as WorldCat, HOLLIS, NDL Search, and CiNii Research. 

Additional Qualifications and Skills:

• Ph.D. in Japanese Studies preferred. MLS preferred.
• Proficiency in reading an East Asian language other than Japanese, and/or a European language other than English.
• In-depth knowledge of the history of the Japanese book.
• Familiarity with the market for Japanese antiquarian books.
• Demonstrated record of a collaborative approach to work and problem solving.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and antiracism in library, university, and professional contexts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with culturally diverse library users and colleagues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research trends and the scholarly process.
• Experience negotiating with vendors and publishers.
• Experience supervising staff, including training, scheduling, and distributing and overseeing work.

Additional Information

Standard Hours/Schedule: 35 hours per week

The position is based on site in Cambridge, MA. There may be an opportunity for a hybrid work model compliant with Harvard University policies.

• It is anticipated that this role will be on campus two to three days a week, and have the option for remote the other days, dependent on business needs.
• Work location is responsive and subject to change based on business needs. Requests for flexibility will be considered consistent with Harvard University flexwork policies.

Work Environment:

• May interact with collections that may contain dust, mold, or other contaminants. The work associated with this position is performed in a library/office setting. At times may work in basements, attics, warehouses, and other records storage areas. At times will need to travel locally or more broadly. 

Physical Requirements:
Must be able to remain in a stationary position up to 50% of the time. Must be able to move about inside the library to move boxes, access books, office machinery, files, etc.

Other Information: 

• As part of the recruitment process, candidates selected for further consideration may be asked to give a presentation on a provided topic.
• This position has a 90-day orientation and review period.
• Pre-Employment screening required.

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Work Format Details

This position has been determined by school or unit leaders that some of the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed at a non-Harvard location. The work schedule and location will be set by the department at its discretion and based upon operational needs. When not working at a Harvard or Harvard-designated location, employees in hybrid positions must work in a Harvard registered state in compliance with the University’s Policy on Employment Outside of Massachusetts. Additional details will be discussed during the interview process. Certain visa types and funding sources may limit work location. Individuals must meet work location sponsorship requirements prior to employment.

Salary Grade and Ranges

This position is salary grade level 058. Please visit  Harvard's Salary Ranges  to view the corresponding salary range and related information. 

Benefits

Harvard offers a comprehensive benefits package that is designed to support a healthy work-life balance and your physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Because here, you are what matters. Our benefits include, but are not limited to: 

• Generous paid time off including parental leave 
• Medical, dental, and vision health insurance coverage starting on day one 
• Retirement plans with university contributions 
• Wellbeing and mental health resources 
• Support for families and caregivers 
• Professional development opportunities including tuition assistance and reimbursement 
• Commuter benefits, discounts and campus perks 

Learn more about these and additional benefits on our Benefits & Wellbeing Page. 

EEO/Non-Discrimination Commitment Statement

Harvard University is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination. We seek talent from all parts of society and the world, and we strive to ensure everyone at Harvard thrives. Our differences help our community advance Harvard's academic purposes.

Harvard has an equal employment opportunity policy that outlines our commitment to prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, religion, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or identified in the university's non-discrimination policy. Harvard's equal employment opportunity policy and non-discrimination policy help all community members participate fully in work and campus life free from harassment and discrimination.