Friday, August 16, 2013

Middle Eastern Studies Librarian


The Middle Eastern Studies Librarian develops and manages the collection of materials in all formats from and about the Middle East.  The position reports to the Global Studies Coordinator.

The Middle Eastern Studies Program is a Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center for Middle Eastern Studies.  The Middle East Library Program is part of the University of Texas Libraries Research Services Division and Global Studies Program.  The Middle East collection, housed primarily in the Perry- CastaƱeda Library, is one of the nation’s most significant collections in Western European and Middle Eastern languages.  The Library’s resources are in all subjects, including anthropology, arts and architecture, economics, language and literature, history, media studies, philosophy, politics, religion, politics, etc.  The Perry-CastaƱeda Library is the main library of the University library system, with emphasis on the social sciences, humanities, business and education. For more information on the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, see: http://www.utexas.edu/cola/depts/mes/center/cmes.php and for the Middle East Library Program, see:  http://www.lib.utexas.edu/subject/melp/index.html.

LIBRARIAN RESPONSIBILITIES
Collection Development: Develops a research collection of materials from and about the Middle East extending as far as Afghanistan and Central Asia in Arabic, Persian, Turkish and all other languages of significance to this field.  Responsible for selection of books, journals, and other information resources in all formats, including electronic resources, in Middle Eastern and Western European languages.  Coordinates collection development within the libraries in this interdisciplinary subject area and pursues opportunities for digitization of unique materials as appropriate. Participates at appropriate national meetings, such as MESA and MELA and acts as liaison with UT’s Center for Middle Eastern Studies and Department of Middle Eastern Studies. Responsible for the management, preservation and evaluation of the collection. Participates in Library-wide collections initiatives.

Technical Services Workflow:  Determines priorities for processing and cataloging of Middle Eastern materials. Liaises with and assists the Head of the non-Roman cataloging unit who supervises the Graduate Research Students who perform the ordering, receiving, serial check-in and cataloging of the Arabic, Persian and Turkish materials.

Public and Research Services:  Provides specialized Middle Eastern Studies reference services, assists library users in locating and evaluating Middle Eastern Studies information and provides outreach to faculty, students and other library users.  Works closely with relevant departments and centers to develop new initiatives and projects.  Public service responsibilities include reference consultations by appointment, course-integrated instruction, and creating and maintaining web accessible research guides.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Librarian I:  American Library Association Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences with specialization in or extensive knowledge of the history, and culture of the Middle East. Fluent in Arabic or Persian. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Librarian II:  American Library Association Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences with specialization in or extensive knowledge of the history, and culture of the Middle East. Fluent in Arabic or Persian. Work has proven increasing specialization in Middle Eastern Studies. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Librarian III:  American Library Association Master's degree in Library and Information Sciences with specialization in or extensive knowledge of the history, and culture of the Middle East. Fluent in Arabic or Persian. Experienced Middle Eastern Studies librarian. Works autonomously. Demonstrated successful development and implementation of Middle Eastern Studies services or programs in a research library. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications for Librarian I, II, and III:  Fluency in Arabic. Reading and translation competency in Persian and Turkish. Experience as a Middle Eastern Studies Librarian. At least one year of collection development experience in Middle Eastern Studies, including knowledge of Middle Eastern publishing, vendors and book trade and experience acquiring library materials from a variety of sources in and about the Middle East. Knowledge of history, culture, economics, politics and literatures of the region. Experience providing research consultations for students and faculty in an academic setting. Experience designing and providing library resource instruction sessions and collaborating with faculty on student learning outcomes. Experience designing web accessible research guides. Experience with an integrated library system. Prior experience instructing and training library staff. Demonstrate potential for leadership in university, state, national, and international programs, and initiatives. Evidence of excellent written and verbal communication and problem solving skills. Grant writing and project management experience. Evidence of initiative, creative energy and resourcefulness. Able to collaborate.

Salary and Benefits:  Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications and experience. No state or local income tax. Standard state benefits package including annual vacation and sick leave, paid holidays, retirement plans, and health insurance (comprehensive major medical plans, dental, vision, life, and disability). Deferred compensation and tax sheltered annuity programs also available.  Working hours for the position are typically, Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm or as arranged for a total of 40 hours per week.

Recruiting Schedule: All interested candidates must complete an online application by going to:  https://utdirect.utexas.edu/jobs/index.WBX .   Please follow all instructions given.

When applying online, please also refer to job posting number:



An e-mail confirmation will be sent to those who apply online along with a set of job-related questions that candidates will be asked to return for their application materials to be complete. For questions regarding this recruitment, please contact:  Library Human Resources: lib-HR@lib.utexas.edu     [512-495-4360].

The University of Texas Libraries has a strong commitment to diversity and encourages applications and nominations from traditionally underrepresented groups. For more information, see UT Library Online (http://www.lib.utexas.edu/ ).



The University of Texas at Austin is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer

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