University of California, Berkeley is hiring: Library Assistant, Chinese Catalog

Library Assistant, Chinese Cataloging (6759C), Library Administration - #80586

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About UC Berkeley - At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff. Berkeley is a world-leading institution known for academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and a commitment to equity and social justice. We encourage applicants who reflect California’s diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. We provide space for supportive colleague communities via employee resource groups and offer professional development opportunities.

Departmental Overview - Technical Services unit of the C. V. Starr East Asian Library processes Chinese, Japanese, and Korean language materials for the East Asian Library, all libraries within the University Library system, and affiliated libraries. It employs nine career staff in addition to temporary and student employees. Operations include original and copy cataloging, serials processing, and the cataloging of digital resources using appropriate metadata schema to facilitate access to digital collections.

Position Summary - The purpose of this position is to catalog materials newly acquired by the East Asian Library, thereby making them accessible to faculty and students within a reasonable timeframe.

Application Review Date - The First Review Date for this job is: 09/03/2025.

Responsibilities

• Performs complex copy cataloging of Chinese language monographs by editing existing records in local bibliographic databases and shared cooperative cataloging systems such as OCLC to align with RDA MARC21, LC Subject Headings and other controlled vocabulary, LC Romanization Tables for Chinese Materials, and local practice, correcting errors and adding missing information, validating call numbers and subject headings.
• Performs maintenance on bibliographic records in the library databases, including maintaining consistency and quality of cataloging records, cleaning up records, troubleshooting problems, and updating holdings and items.
• Performs full original cataloging of Chinese language monographs that have no existing record in local bibliographic databases and shared cooperative cataloging systems such as OCLC. Creates records following RDA MARC21, LC Subject Headings and other controlled vocabulary, LC Romanization Tables for Chinese Materials, and local practice. Assigns call numbers and subject headings. Catalogs complex multi-part sets and analytics.
• Copy catalogs Chinese language monographs. Edits records following RDA MARC21, LC Subject Headings and other controlled vocabulary, LC Romanization Tables for Chinese Materials, and local practice. Verifies authority records, subject headings, and/or editing in local databases.
• Reviews and performs quality control of shelf-ready services records. Leads and guides individual student assistants.

Required Qualifications

• Fluency in modern and classical Chinese.
• Familiarity with pinyin romanization.
• Knowledge of standard cataloging rules (AACR2, LCSH, RDA, MARC21) and utilities (OCLC).
• Knowledge of current standards and local practices for special collections and archival materials processing (EAD).
• Extensive knowledge of complex cataloging, including multi-part sets, serials, and monographic series.
• Related library experience.
• Applicants for positions in the Library Assistant series are expected to possess the skills, knowledge, and abilities essential to the successful performance of the duties assigned to the positions.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in Chinese history, literature, and culture.
• Ability to quickly grasp the content and character of the item being cataloged in order to determine authoritative title, resolve any conflict in authority records, assign subject headings and call numbers or assess whether headings and numbers already assigned are appropriate.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and organize workflow.
• Ability to assign tasks effectively, to coordinate and accommodate work schedules of student employees.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California’s Compensation & Benefits website. Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. The budgeted hourly range for this position is $30.55 (Step 1) - $31.97 (Step 3). This is a full-time (40 hours/week), career position eligible for UC Benefits. This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How To Apply

• To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.

Other Information

This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the Clerical & Allied Services Unit (CX) agreement between UC and Teamsters Local 2010. This is not a visa opportunity. This position requires fingerprinting and a background check. UC Berkeley is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or other protected status.