Pleasure and Pain Revelations of an Asian Studies Librarian Xian Wu Asian Studies Librarian Michigan State University Libraries CEAL, Hawaii, March 30, 2011
Road to work– library back entrance March 1, 2011
Feet on Campus Eyes on Asia Increased number of Asian students & scholars Faculty interests and collaboration with scholars in Asia Expansion of integrated Asian classes Pressing need for Asian resources of all formats
Collection Development with Joint Funding E-resources: China Academic Journals; Japan Knowledge+; and IndiaStat (library administration and Area Studies support) Acquisition of a classic Chinese title with fund from Asian Studies Center: 12 vols Acquisition of Documenta Indica 18Vols with fund support from Area Studies
Global Crossing: China India Africa 2010
Privileges and Chances Wonderful Area Studies division (Africa, Latin America, Russian/East Europe) Autonomy for Asia with strong team support Secondary appointment in Main Reference Bibliographic Instruction (e.g. geography class--Indian/China cities) Bridging with other offices (e.g. Asian Studies Center, China Faculty Club & VIPP)
Buying Trip Support from Library Administration and 2010 World Expo Shanghai Worlds Expo & MSU Library Exhibition
Obligations and Challenges Conflicts between desire and ability to work well (lack of language skills) Time constraints for doing more Juggling multiple tasks at the same time (e.g. cant be at meetings of three Asian librarian associations) Change in composition of patrons undergraduates versus graduates 8
Pleasure and Pain Life for an Asian Studies Librarian at Michigan State University is Delightfully/Deliciously Demanding