Columbia University Libraries is seeking applications for the position of Middle East & Islamic Studies Librarian.
In the context of a University with a very strong and well-established interdisciplinary Middle East Studies program (a designated Department of Education Title VI National Resource Center for Middle East Studies), and a strong ongoing commitment to enhancing its excellent Middle East and Islamic Studies library collections and services, the Librarian is responsible for development of this first-rate research collection of materials from and about the Middle East and Near East (extending as far east as Afghanistan, and also including Armenia), in Arabic, Persian, Turkish, Kurdish, Maltese, Armenian, and in English and all other languages of significance to this field; as well as materials in support of the field of Islamic Studies (including the study of the Islamic religion and of the Muslim peoples of the world). He or she is also responsible for the provision of information services to faculty, students, researchers and other Middle East and Islamic Studies scholars in the Columbia University community.
With annual materials acquisitions budgets over $300,000, the Librarian coordinates collection development within the Libraries in this interdisciplinary subject area, and represents the Libraries at appropriate meetings of the CRL/Global Resources Network, MESA, MEMP, ALA sections, AAMES, etc.; acts as liaison with Columbia's Middle East Studies Institute, the Department of Middle East and Asian Language and Culture (MEALAC), and several dozen other departments, schools, institutes and centers on campus with Middle East subject interests; provides specialized Middle East and Islamic Studies reference services, and bears responsibility for the management, preservation and evaluation of the collections. Collection development responsibilities entail close involvement in the teaching and research activities of individual scholars of Middle East and Islamic Studies and members of Institute and the MEALAC Department (including grant writing initiatives). Reporting to the Director of Area Studies, the Librarian is also the Middle East area studies liaison with the other units of the Libraries. Public service responsibilities focus on Middle East and Islamic studies, and include reference consultations by appointment, bibliographic and library use instruction, in-class lectures, preparation of publications, internet resource development, and database searching as needed. The Librarian also works with the faculty to organize the collections and operations of the Islamic Studies Research Reading Room in the renovated Butler Library. Columbia University Libraries are entering a phase of active programs in digitization and electronic resource development: the Middle East and Islamic Studies Librarian will have the opportunity to propose significant digitization projects to improve and broaden access to treasures from its unique print collections. (Depending upon funding, this position might also be responsible for providing assistance in -- and supervising staff for -- collection development for Jewish Studies).
Requirements are: An accredited M.L.S. or equivalent combination of education and experience, Ph.D. in a relevant subject area is preferred; Significant experience as a Middle East studies librarian (including acquiring research materials from a wide variety of sources in and about the Middle East and Islamic studies), or a comparable combination of academic and professional experience; excellent language skills in Arabic; ability to read Persian and Turkish and/or supervise staff working on materials in these languages; intimate knowledge of the history, politics, economics, literatures and cultures of the region; ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing; and ability to work effectively and creatively in a complex environment.
Salary for this PC I position is commensurate with experience. An excellent benefits package includes assistance with University housing and tuition exemption for self and family.
For immediate consideration please e-mail your resume and the names/contact information for 3 references to: libjobs2@columbia.edu or send it to Human Resources, Columbia University, Box 18, Butler Library, MC 1104, 535 West 114th Street, New York, NY 10027. Please reference Search # UL70107025 and include your e-mail address. Applications will be accepted immediately and until the position is filled; however, applications submitted before December 20, 2007 will receive priority consideration.
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