Description

Title: Japan Studies Librarian II (Practicum) – JSL Practicum Program

Position Number: 0085928T

Hiring Unit: UHM Library Services

Location: Manoa, Hamilton Library, Asia Collection

Closing Date: Continuous - application review begins April 10, 2026.

Salary Information: B2M11; Salary commensurate with qualifications and experience (Librarian II minimum $74,892 annually; $6,241 monthly)

Monthly Type: 11-Month

Tenure Track: Non-Tenure

Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (100% FTE)

Temporary/Permanent: Temporary

Other Conditions: Expected to begin approximately July 2026, pending position clearance and/or availability of funding. This is a full-time, temporary, 9-month practicum appointment. Employment is expected to conclude at the end of the 9-month practicum period.

Under the supervision of the Japan Studies Librarian, the practicum trainee will receive structured, on-the-job training in subject librarianship and will contribute to Japan-related services and initiatives across the library.

• Training in core subject-librarian functions: Participate in reference and research support for faculty and students; assist with library instruction; and contribute to collection management activities as part of the Asia Collection team. The trainee will also have opportunities to collaborate with library and campus partners at UH Manoa and, as appropriate, with professionals outside the library.

• Professional focus development: Early in the practicum, the trainee will be encouraged to identify and refine an area of professional interest within Japan Studies and Asian Studies librarianship (e.g., instruction, outreach, digital initiatives, special collections, metadata, or collection development). This focus will guide learning goals and professional growth during the appointment.
• Capstone project and final presentation: The trainee will lead a defined project during the 9-month practicum. Projects may include, but are not limited to, maintenance, description, outreach, and promotional work related to special collections repositories and other Japan-related materials held across library departments. At the end of the practicum, the trainee will deliver a presentation on project outcomes and professional learning, suitable for sharing with peer librarians and scholars.

• A Master’s degree in library or information science from a program accredited by the American Library Association or from a college or university of recognized standing.
• Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment with multicultural groups and individuals across a wide range of academic abilities and cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, including library staff, administrators, students, faculty, and community members.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Japanese language and Japan-related fields (e.g., history, politics, cultural practices, and contemporary issues) relevant to academic librarianship.
• Demonstrated interest in pursuing a professional career in Japan Studies and Asian Studies librarianship, including a commitment to professional development.
• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to adapt to changing priorities and unforeseen challenges.
• Ability to communicate fluently in English.

• Ability to initiate and design projects, set priorities, manage work, and meet deadlines independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
• Keen attention to detail and ability to synthesize information.
• Experience in instruction and/or instructional writing.
• Ability and desire to interact with students and faculty using excellent interpersonal, customer service, and facilitation skills.
• Ability to train and supervise student, or volunteer assistants.

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Inquiries: Mitsutaka Nakamura, Japan Studies Librarian and Screening Committee Chair, mitsutak@hawaii.edu

EEO, Clery Act, ADA