Pleasure and PainPleasure and PainRevelations of an Asian Studies LibrarianRevelations of an Asian Studies Librarian

Xian Wu 吴宪Asian Studies Librarian

Michigan State University LibrariesCEAL, Hawaii, March 30, 2011

Road to work– library back entrance

March 1, 2011

Feet on CampusEyes on Asia

Increased number of Asian students & scholars

Faculty interests and collaboration with scholars in Asia

Expansion of integrated Asian classesPressing 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: 重刊許氏説文解字五音韻譜 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 World’s 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. can’t be at meetings of three Asian librarian associations)

Change in composition of patronsundergraduates versus graduates

8

Pleasure and PainLife for an Asian Studies Librarian

at Michigan State University is

Delightfully/Deliciously Delightfully/Deliciously DemandingDemanding