On April 29th 2018,Technical Services was pleased to welcome members of the Library’s Development and Administration team for a tour of our facilities and to meet our staff.
From left to right: Jenny Park, Fiona Li, Harry Young, Virginia Hong, Stacy Campbell, Andrea Benzel

KOREAN

B128 C358 2017
程書 分類 / [程灝, 程頤 著 ; 宋時烈 編] ; 忠北 大學校 尤庵 硏究所 尤庵 資料 集成 및 定本化 事業팀, 恩津 宋氏 宋子 事業會 共編

DS730 C4754 2016
중국 정사 외국전 이 그리는 세계들 : 「사기」부터 「명사」까지 / 김 정희 [and five others] 지음

GT3406 K6 M35 2017
마이스 (MICE) 산업 : 한눈 에 보기 / 편집인 이 창림 의회 정보 실장 [and three others].

HB1062.5 A3 C5683 2017
저출산 극복 / 편집인 이 창림 의회 정보 실장 ; 편집 실무진 최 영나 정치 행정 정보 과장, 심 은주 서기관, 김 정순 주무관

HD4922 K6 C48 2017
최저 임금제 한눈 에 보기 / 편집인 임 재주 의회 정보 실장 [and four others].

HD7288.85 K6 C48 2017
주택 임대차 보호 : 한눈 에 보기 / 편집인 이 창림 의회 정보 실장 [and four others].

CHINESE

BQ8208 M56 2017
明清華嚴傳承史料兩種 : 《賢首宗乘》與《賢首傳燈錄》/ 西懷了悳, 興宗祖旺, 景林心露等著; 簡凱廷點校 ; 廖肇亨校訂

DS755 .M454 2017
美国画报上的中国 : 1840-1911 / (美) 张文献编

DS778 P376 P47 2016 v.1-2
彭述之回憶錄 / 彭述之口述

ND1049.83 C465 A4 2017
陳植棋畫作與文書選輯 /謝國興, 王麗蕉主編

PL2755.K8 H64 2016
厚积落叶听雨声 / 朱光潜著

PL2840 C86 B35 2016 v.1-3
白鹿原 : 宣纸插图本 / 陈忠实著 ; 李志武绘

PL2925.K55 F36 2017
芳华 / 严歌苓著

Z845 C6 Z48 2017
专业图书馆”十二五”期间事业发展报告 / 中国图书馆学会专业图书馆分会编

JAPANESE

B5244.M54 T35 2017
三木清とフィヒテ / 玉田龍太朗著

D810.C698 H57 2017
「慰安婦」問題を子どもにどう教えるか / 平井美津子

DS889 .I94 2017
三木武夫秘書回顧錄 : 三角大福中時代を語る / 岩野美代治 ; 竹内桂編

GV1785.M33 A3 2017
完本麿赤児自伝 : 憂き世戯れて候ふ / 麿赤児著

HV6548.J3 I78 2017
現代の自殺 : 追いつめられた死, 社会病理学的研究 / 石濱照子

JV6035 .S93 2017
移動する人々と国民国家 : ポスト・グローバル化時代における市民社会の変容 / 杉村美紀編著 ; 近藤孝弘著

ND1054.5 K37 2017
狩野芳崖と四天王 : 近代日本画, もうひとつの水脈 / 編者野地耕一郎, 平林彰, 椎野晃史

PL723 .K784 2017
文豪の女遍歴 / 小谷野敦

PL832.O395 Z55 2017
小島信夫の文法 / 青木健

PN2924.5.K3 N34 2017
恋と歌舞伎と女の事情 / 仲野マリ

News Release from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (Government of Canada): 

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, is inviting stakeholders, researchers, community leaders and public policy-makers to help shape a new $275-million Tri-Council Fund focused on international, interdisciplinary and high-risk research activities. Funding for the five-year initiative is a result of the federal government’s unprecedented investment of close to $4 billion in science announced in Budget 2018.

 

Designed by the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC), the new Tri-Council Fund will strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers and students across the country to accelerate Canada’s transition to a more modern approach to research. It will enable our researchers to undertake important work that can lead to discoveries that positively impact the lives of Canadians.

Read the full press release

See the UBC Tri-Agency Open Access Policy

Make your UBC research openly accessible via cIRcle

Japanese Language Librarian

Asian Library, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus

Full-Time, Ongoing

Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2018 

UBC LIBRARY

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre – a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.

The Library’s collection of over 7M items includes 1.4M ebooks, 229,020 electronic journals, 850,000 maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and 1,703 bibliographic and fulltext databases.

More than 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.  The UBC Library Strategic Plan 2015-2017 can be viewed at http://about.library.ubc.ca/strategic-plan/  To learn more about working with UBC Library and to explore our aspirational values visit UBC Library – Why work with us.

ASIAN LIBRARY

The Asian Library is a hub of scholarship, learning and community connections, where research meets community.  The Asian Library’s collections, totaling over 684,000 volumes across Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Indic languages, provide key resources in support of teaching and research of Asian studies. The Council on East Asian Libraries consistently ranks UBC among the best in the world—#1 in Canada and #12 in library holdings across North America.  The Asian Library’s rare and special materials further distinguish it as a top-tier research library.  For more information about the Asian Library, please visit us at http://asian.library.ubc.ca/.

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides reference, information services and collection development in support of Japanese studies. Assumes responsibility for liaison with scholars working with Japanese language materials. Provides instruction and assistance in the use of information resources. Supervises the handling of Japanese materials. Acts as liaison with the Japanese specialists at the University and the Japanese-Canadian community. Participates in selection, configuration and presentation of electronic resources in Japanese languages. Participates in the development of library policy, procedures, and services as required. Works collaboratively with library colleagues to strengthen system-wide practices and initiatives. Participates in library committees and contributes to the university’s goals, including those related to diversity and inclusion. May be required to work evenings or weekends. Performs other assigned duties and related projects.

WORKING relationships:

Reports to the Head, Asian Library. Consults with library colleagues, faculty members, Digital Initiatives and the Library Development Office, as necessary. Works with the Technical Services staff on the cataloguing and processing of Japanese language materials. May supervise the work of library support staff and student assistants.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science.
• Excellent proficiency in reading, written and spoken Japanese, as well as an excellent command of spoken and written English.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Modified Hepburn Romanization System.
• Ability to write professional reports and to deliver presentations.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with a strong track record in working collaboratively with colleagues and supervisors.
• Demonstrated interest in issues facing libraries and academic institutions such as open access, digital scholarship and metrics.
• Strong computer skills, including word-processing for English and Japanese.
• Knowledge of current collections trends and databases related to Japanese Studies.
• Demonstrated understanding of Japanese Studies bibliography and resources.
• Experience handling a budget for collections, projects and/or programs.
• Demonstrated ability in creating, planning and carrying out projects, both independently and as a member of a team.
• Experience with electronic information technologies and their applications to reference, as well as knowledge of best practices in online learning pedagogies.
• Ability to adjust to and accommodate changing demands within Libraries and academic institutions.
• Evidence of active participation in professional or community organizations. 
• Ability to recognize, respect and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds.  Takes initiative in learning about language and issues relating to equity and diversity.
• Ability to recognize and appreciate the contributions of colleagues.
• Models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback.
• Listens to, encourages and expresses creative and innovative ideas. Open to experimenting with and improvising new ways of approaching processes, tasks or problems.

Preferred:

• Working knowledge of Chinese or Korean.
• Advanced degree in Asian Studies.
• Experience with collections development for both print and electronic resources.
• Knowledge of RDA, AACR2, LCSH, LC Classification.
• Experience using LibGuides
• Experience using OCLC.
• Experience with digitization projects.

DUTIES:

Reference, Instruction and Liaison Services

1. Develops and participates in instructional programs related to the Japanese language collection and the use of information sources. Undertakes specialized instructional programs for both undergraduate and graduate learners. Prepares guides and handouts in electronic and paper formats and organizes user groups on the advanced use of electronic resources. Participates in Library orientations and bibliographic instruction programmes for new students, faculty, and staff.

2. Provides comprehensive reference and research services in Japanese studies. Develops web resources to support and extend reference services. Assists users in locating Japanese materials from other East Asian collections in North America as well as Japan and facilitates inter-library loans when required.

1. Acts as liaison between the Asian Library and the Japanese specialists at UBC in matters concerning the Japanese collections and Library services and other units in the Library System in matters concerning Japanese materials.
2. Translates Japanese into English and English into Japanese within the framework of the services and practices of the Asian Library.

Digital Projects

1. Works with Digital Initiatives on the selection and implementation of digitization projects.
2. Provides guidance to scholars and students on data analysis tools relevant to Japanese Studies and digitized collections.
3. Continually builds on expertise in this area through a combination of self study and professional development opportunities.

Rare Books and Special Collections

1. Works closely with colleagues in Rare Books and Special Collections (RBSC) on projects concerning Japanese language rare and archival materials.
2. Collaborates with RBSC colleagues on collection development issues.
3. Coordinates the digitization of rare materials in conjunction with RBSC.

Technical Services, Collection Development and Management

1. Selects material for the Japanese language collections and both print and electronic material from the collection for storage, according to curricular and research needs of faculty and students. Suggests new print and electronic serials titles based on faculty needs and monitors and evaluates the Japanese language periodical collections. Assists in the development of collection policies.
2. For electronic material in Japanese, works with the Head and other library staff to create access and resolve user support issues, which may include licensing, systems configuration, presentation and evaluation.
3. Selects monographs and serials in print and electronic format. Consults with the Head and the AUL, Collections Management in cases of expensive and rare materials.
4. Identifies Japanese language materials that should be moved to a storage facility, or weeded from the collection.
5. Administers the Japanese Government Publications Depository Programme and scans the new shipments before they are sent to other divisions for processing. Maintains and facilitates access to the Japanese special collections.
6. Assesses, selects, and processes Japanese materials received through gift or exchange. Handles book donations from individuals or organizations. Performs monetary evaluations as required.
7. Maintains and facilitates access to the Japanese special collections.
8. Keeps up with literature and research developments in support of the Asian Library. Maintains expertise in electronic information resources and technologies and assists in the acquisition and application of Japanese software for technical services.
9. Advises and assists regarding Japanese monographs and serials for binding.
10. Manages the Japanese book funds and monitors expenditures to ensure consistency with the allocations. Assesses, selects and processes materials received as gifts or on exchange.  Does monetary evaluations as required.
11. Works closely with Technical Services staff regarding acquisition and cataloguing of Japanese materials.

Community and Professional Engagement

1. Organizes community engagement activities or events related to Japan or Japanese Studies. Creates project plans for these activities, including budgetary planning.
2. Contributes to branch-wide initiatives, working together with the Head and other language librarians.
3. Prepares or curates book displays or exhibits on Japan or Japanese Studies.
4. Serves as liaison with the Japanese-Canadian Community.
5. Actively participates in professional associations and bodies related to Japanese studies librarianship.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

This position will be filled as a full-time, ongoing position. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment.  Normally, such an appointment is reviewed by the end of the second year of the appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 5 years of experience.  However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above.  

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/faculty.php by midnight on July 24, 2018.

Art Librarian

Music, Art & Architecture Library, UBC Library | Vancouver Campus

Full-Time, One Year Term

Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2018

UBC LIBRARY

The University of British Columbia Library is one of the largest academic libraries in Canada and consistently ranks among the top university research libraries in North America. UBC Library has 14 branches and divisions, two campuses (Vancouver and Kelowna), one off-site hospital library, and the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre – a multi-purpose teaching and learning facility.

The Library’s collection of over 7M items includes 1.4M ebooks, 229,020 electronic journals, 850,000 maps, audio, DVD/video and graphic materials, and 1,703 bibliographic and fulltext databases.

More than 300 knowledgeable employees – librarians, management and professional staff, support staff and student staff – provide users with the excellent resources and services that they need to further their research, teaching and learning.  The UBC Library Strategic Plan 2015-2017 can be viewed at http://about.library.ubc.ca/strategic-plan/  To learn more about working with UBC Library and to explore our aspirational values visit UBC Library – Why work with us.

MUSIC, ART & ARCHITECTURE LIBRARY

The Music, Art and Architecture (MAA) Library supports the study, research and teaching needs of the faculty, students and staff in the School of Music; the Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory; the School of Architecture & Landscape Architecture; and the School of Community & Regional Planning. In addition, MAA Library holds the research collections belonging to the School of Library, Archival & Information Studies and the Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science departments. MAA Library is home to the ASRS, UBC Library’s Automated Storage and Retrieval System, and as such is responsible for the circulation of the facility’s materials which span all subject areas. MAA Library prioritizes collecting, preserving and making accessible our Canadian cultural heritage (e.g., the Canadian Art Exhibition Catalogue Collection, the Canadian Women Composers Archive). For more detailed branch information, please see MAA Library’s website: https://barber.library.ubc.ca

POSITION SUMMARY

Provides reference and information services to faculty, students, staff, and community users and assumes responsibility for designated subject areas, including but not limited to art history and visual art, and liaison with assigned departments, including but not limited to the Department of Art History, Visual Art & Theory (AHVA).  Participates in the development and assessment of the library collections and leads the development, preservation, and evolution of UBC Library’s art history and visual art collection. Provides web-based and classroom instruction and assistance in the use of information resources. Plans and implements services that respond to the needs of our users.  Participates in the development and review of library policies, procedures, and services.  Is responsible for the coordination and management of services and projects as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED

• A graduate degree from an ALA accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science
• Experience with art history and visual art resources
• Demonstrated ability and enthusiasm to teach classes as well as initiate, plan, and carry out projects both independently and as a member of a team
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Comprehensive information technology and digital literacy skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work creatively and effectively as a member of a team
• A high-level service commitment and flexibility and willingness to assume a variety of assignments
• Ability to recognize, respect, and work effectively with individuals and groups with diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Demonstrated knowledge of issues related to equity and inclusion.
• Ability to develop and maintain cooperative and productive working relationships and engage in workplace culture.
• Ability to recognize and appreciate the contributions of colleagues.
• Committed to demonstrating respect for colleagues at every level by trusting in their abilities and knowledge to perform their roles and earning respect through meeting commitments.
• Models and demonstrates good communication through active listening and appreciative inquiry and open to providing and receiving timely, constructive feedback.
• Listens to, encourages and expresses creative and innovative ideas. Open to experimenting with and improvising new ways of approaching processes, tasks or problems.

PREFERRED

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in art history or related discipline
• Library experience in the additional disciplines of architecture, music, and/or planning
• Reading knowledge of French and at least one other foreign language
• Experience with outreach, promotion, and marketing of library services and resources

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to the Head, Music, Art & Architecture (MAA) Library.  Works cooperatively with librarians and support staff in the MAA Library, the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Rare Books & Special Collections, Technical Services, Digital Initiatives, and other departmental employees. Builds relationships with faculty, students, and the community as part of Reference, Teaching, Collections, and Liaison duties.

 DUTIES:

REFERENCE

Provides online and in-person reference and information services to faculty, students, and other users. Advises and assists in difficult or extensive searches for related subject areas of responsibility.  Employs the full range of internet, electronic, and print sources.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

Teaches classes to students and faculty in the use of the Library’s resources, including the Library’s databases, print resources, and e-resources. Participates in orientation tours and other Library instruction programs. Prepares handouts, research guides, and informational brochures in appropriate formats.

COLLECTION DEVELOPMENT

Selects art resources across all formats with consideration of the art collection’s role supporting research, faculty teaching, and identity as a major local, provincial, and national art resource. Develops and maintains the art collection policies and procedures. Oversees the art collection’s budgets to ensure allotments are spent out on time and encumbrances kept within funding allocations. Proactively assesses the state of the collection to align purchasing activities with users’ needs.  Liaises with UBC Library Development Office, UBC Development Office, donors, and AHVA to coordinate receipt of gifts-in-kind.

LIAISON RESPONSIBILITIES

Initiates and maintains contact with faculty, staff, and students in assigned departments.  Attends departmental meetings as needed.  Informs faculty of services and instruction offered.  Liaises with faculty on issues of collection development.  Responds to faculty requests for accreditation/review, new course proposals, etc., in consultation with the Head, MAA Library. Represents MAA Library on library committees and working groups. In collaboration with other Library employees and adhering to UBC Library Communications & Marketing standards, plans, develops, delivers and assesses orientation, promotional, and event-based initiatives. Participates in the advancement and support of UBC Library scholarly communications initiatives, including copyright, open access activities, open education resources (OER), data management, and institutional repository.

MANAGEMENT

In consultation with the Head, plans and implements services for users, processing tasks in the Branch, or other activities as assigned.  Initiates and participates in needs assessment, design, implementation, and evaluation for the provision of information services for the Library.  Undertakes, or assists with, special projects, committee work, or other temporary assignments as required.  Acts on behalf of the Head Librarian as required.

CURRENT AWARENESS

Remains up-to-date with new literature and research developments in areas of specialization. Maintains expertise in electronic information resources and technologies.  Keeps current with changing professional expectations, services requirements, and developments in academic libraries.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY:

This position will be filled as a full-time, term position of one year.

We are seeking applications from Librarians with up to 5 years of experience.  However, all internal candidates will be considered regardless of years of experience and are encouraged to apply. Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Applications will include: a detailed and current curriculum vitae; and a letter of application that includes a statement of citizenship/immigration status and indicates the candidate’s education, training and work experience in the areas listed above.  

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/faculty.php by midnight on July 22, 2018.

Program Manager, Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication

Background

Patty A. Kelly joined the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication (CWSC) in May 2018. Prior to the CWSC, Patty was a faculty member in Arts Studies in Research and Writing at UBC, where her courses focused on introducing undergraduate students to the research culture and writing practices typical of the humanities and social sciences.

Current Role and Responsibilities

In her current role, Patty collaborates with the campus community to deliver writing services and programs that enhance scholarly communication for undergraduate and graduate students across the disciplines. In addition to designing writing services that help students meet their educational goals, she looks forward to developing and engaging in campus-wide writing initiatives for postdoctoral fellows and faculty members.

Contact

Email: Patty.Kelly@ubc.ca
Phone: 604-827-5125

UBC Library is pleased to announce that Eleanore Wellwood, Wendy Traas and Anne Lama are the 2018 recipients of UBC Library Recognition Awards. Each year, the Library Awards Program shines a light on those employees who have demonstrated exceptional creativity, innovation, excellence and a dedication to customer service through their work.

The awards were presented at the annual Library Recognition Luncheon at the Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre on June 19, 2018. Congratulations Eleanore, Wendy and Anne, and thank you to everyone who participated by submitting nominations.

Eleanore Wellwood, University Librarian Susan E. Parker, and Anne Lama.

Eleanore Wellwood

Eleanore Wellwood (Technical Services Library Assistant, Xwi7xwa Library) is honoured as this year’s Unsung Hero. Our Unsung Heroes keep the Library’s programs, services, and infrastructure running smoothly, and when they do their jobs well, their work is seamless and often goes unnoticed.

A clear example of inveterate dedication, Eleanore delayed her own retirement in order to help her branch catch up on major collections projects, and her efforts and knowledge have resulted in increased findability of materials within her branch.

Wendy Traas

Wendy Traas (Reference Librarian, Education Library) is the winner of the Innovation Award, which recognizes the achievements of Library employees who bring uncommon creativity to their work. Recipients of this award often apply new ways of thinking to existing processes or seek to expand or enhance the delivery of services and expertise across our campus community.

Through her work, Wendy demonstrates imagination and risk-taking, but also a pragmatic and strategic vision. She has innovation as the heart and soul of her DNA, and her desire for improvement in information literacy led to her award of a $18,000 TLEF grant.

Anne Lama

Anne Lama (Conservator, Technical Services) earned the Employee Excellence Award, which is given to those whose track record for quality work is matched only by the kindness, compassion, and respect that make their contributions so effective.

An essential service partner in every major collections project the Library undertakes, Anne is also strongly committed to teaching, learning and mentorship. She takes every question as an opportunity to develop awareness of our individual and joint responsibility to care for our collections.

Date: June 15 to August 15, 2018.
Location: UBC Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, Level 2 Foyer (1961 East Mall) (map)
Hours: Same as the IKBLC building hours (see hours)

Culture at the Centre satellite exhibition at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre

We acknowledge that UBC is located on the ancestral, traditional and unceded territory of the Musqueam people.

A new satellite exhibit at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre highlights Indigenous cultural centres in BC.

Culture at the Centre, on display at UBC’s Museum of Anthropology, features six cultural centres: Musqueam Cultural Education Resource Centre, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Heiltsuk Cultural Education Centre, the Haida Gwaii Museum and Haida Heritage Centre at Kay Llnagaay, and the Nisg̱a’a Museum.

The exhibit explores contemporary issues: land and title, repatriation of cultural artifacts, language revitalization, culture and community, the role of these centres in their respective communities. The eight exhibit cases also include video content from each of the respective centres with interview clips from community members.

Visit the Culture at the Centre satellite exhibition at the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre until August 15. The exhibition is open to the public every day from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. on level two.

The Culture at the Centre exhibition is also at the Museum of Anthropology until September 30, 2018.

Maps are not just for marking land. Through maps, you can travel back in time to understand how society was structured, how a region was recognized, the power structures of that time, and other cultural and societal aspects of the place being represented.

The Japanese Maps of the Tokugawa Era Collection is a treasure trove for such information. The maps colorfully display information about social hierarchies, the production of villages, land claims and important figures, among other things.

The Tokugawa Era is such an important time for maps because, up until the 17^th century, maps were meant for the use of the privileged ruling elite only, and mapmaking was rare. When Tokugawa reunified the archipelago in 1600, Japanese cartography began to develop at a much faster rate as people had increased access to information and could more easily move around the archipelago and the world. The result was a wide range of map options for consumers who were interested in getting to know about their neighborhood, city, country and the world at large.

Principally, three types of maps were produced during the Tokugawa Era:

• Pocket-version: small maps that could be held in both hands, folded and slipped into the kimono sleeve. Perfect for travel.
• Medium size: these maps with up to one meter on a side, designed to be viewed on a tatami floor.
• Large size: maps that often exceeded three meters in length. Scholars surmise that users would stand on top of these maps to view them in large ceremonial rooms.

If you want to explore the maps more deeply, with all the background information about Japanese society and history, we encourage you to check out the book Cartographic Japan: A History in Maps. The book analyzes several Japanese maps, including some that are in our collection. If you have your UBC Library card, go check it out. If not, you can check out part of the content in Google Books.

Some maps from our collection

This map is a Mount Fuji 3-D bird’s eye view, published around 1848. Mount Fuji attracted many pilgrims during the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th centuries, who visited the temples along the way. This map might have been created for the people who were not able to go on such pilgrimages. The map then functioned as a way for people to imagine the sacred places that they would never see in reality.

Find out more about this item by checking the article “A 19^th-century 3-D bird’s eye map of Mt. Fuji, with all the bells and whistles”.

[Fujisan no zu], 1848

Different types of ships are represented in this map, probably meaning that Yokohama port was a place for trade with people from different parts of the world.

Yokohama onkaichi meisai no zu, 1859

The following image is only an excerpt of the complete scroll map. It was created by Yoshitora Utagawa, an ukiyo-e (woodblock prints) designer and illustrator of books and newspapers. Can you see the amazing details of this map that represents a procession?

Tokaido meisho zue, 1864

The collection

The Japanese Maps of the Tokugawa Era Collection has over 500 items, making it one of the world’s largest collection of maps and guidebooks of the Tokugawa period (1600-1867).

There are many rare and unique items, varying from pocket-sized maps to large scroll format maps. The collection is focused on privately published and travel-related maps and guides published in Japan during the Tokugawa period. There is world coverage, although the majority of maps are of the whole or parts of Japan.

Kaisei chiri shoho ansha no zu, 1876

Check out some of our previous posts about this collection:

• Bankoku-sozu
• Disaster prints
• Namazu-e prints
• 御開港横濵之全圖 Gokaikō Yokohama no zenzu (Japanese Maps of the Tokugawa Era)

Access and explore the Japanese Maps of the Tokugawa Era Collection. You might be fascinated with the details of the maps and find out something new about Japan or maps in general.

Sources:

ASIA 453 001 (UBC)

ASIA 453: Japanese travel literature – maps projects (UBC)

Cartographic Japan: a history in maps

Review by Morgan Pitelka: Cartographic Japan: a history in maps (Project Muse)