[Web4lib] Position Available: Information Architecture and User Experience Specialist (Purdue University)

[Bracke, Paul J]

Apologies for cross-postings. Feel free to contact me if you have any
questions about the position.


Information Architecture and User Experience Specialist
Information Technology Department
(3 Year Term Appointment)

The Purdue University Libraries seek an energetic and innovative
professional to provide leadership as it moves through a period of
transition in its approach to web content and services.  The Purdue
University Libraries are engaging in a complete redesign and
reconceptualization of its web presence.   In support of this goal, the
Information Architecture and User Experience Specialist will work with
Libraries staff, consultants, graphic designers, and other information
technology staff to create a dynamic, interactive environment that
integrates a variety of disparate library technologies seamlessly into
highly usable online environments supporting the mission of the
Libraries and the University.    

Responsibilities:  Collaborate with library faculty and staff, and
external consultants, to develop an information architecture for the
Libraries' new website.  Apply principles of information architecture
and usability to develop effective site interfaces and navigation
structures.  Collaborate with library faculty and staff to develop new
web-based information resources and services.  Develop written
tutorials, training materials, and other documentation to support use of
the website.  Work with other staff in the Information Technology
Department to develop a robust website infrastructure.  Provide a
seamless web environment and integrate various library applications and
services.  Reports to the Associate Dean for Information Technology. 

Requirements:  Master's degree in Library/Information Science (ALA
accredited or equivalent).  Knowledge of and/or experience in
information architecture, user experience design, and findability.
Enthusiasm for new methods of disseminating information.  Demonstrated
interest in the application of current and emerging technologies to meet
the changing needs of users.  Strong service orientation.  Excellent
communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with
faculty, staff and students.  Ability to work independently and as a
team member in a dynamic environment and on a variety of simultaneous
projects.

Desired:  Demonstrated ability and experience with the principles of
information architecture.  Familiar with current issues and trends in
library technology. 1-2 years of academic library experience.

SALARY:   $41,000 and up, depending on qualifications

STATUS AND BENEFITS:  3-year term appointment. Rank of Visiting
Assistant Professor.  Twelve-month appointment with annual vacation of
22 working days.  Excellent benefits including fully paid TIAA-CREF
retirement contribution.  Must have vested, employer-funded contract
from previous Higher Education employment for participation. 

The Purdue Libraries and the University:  

The Purdue University Libraries, http://www.lib.purdue.edu/, have
embarked upon a dynamic new role within the University, emphasizing a
closer integration of the Libraries into the academic mission of Purdue.
An administrative re-structuring of the Libraries supports this new
direction through the creation of associate deans for administration &
planning; information resources & scholarly communication; information
technology; learning; and research.  Emphasis is being placed on
advancing the Libraries' information resources through stronger
collaboration with the disciplinary faculty and an increasing
interdisciplinary focus.   In addition, using information technology the
Libraries are reaching out to the campus by creating e-Scholar, a
distributed institutional repository providing access to e-archives,
e-pubs, and e-data <http://e-scholar.lib.purdue.edu/ >.  The Purdue
Libraries are a leader in advancing new roles for librarians as full
participants in interdisciplinary, sponsored research.   

Purdue University is a national leader in the areas of business,
engineering, science, and technology.  Liberal arts is now the largest
college at the University http://www.purdue.edu/, followed closely by
engineering.    Purdue is experiencing unprecedented growth in research
funding and, in addition, will be completing a $1.5 billion capital
campaign in 2007.  Purdue has the third largest international student
enrollment in the nation:    Lafayette/West Lafayette is a growing,
vibrant, historic community located about forty-five minutes from
Indianapolis and less than two hours from Chicago:
http://www.lafayette-in.com/ 

Application:  Applications will be reviewed beginning June 15, 2007 and
will be accepted until a suitable candidate is chosen. Send statement of
interest, resume, and a list of three references in both electronic
format and by surface mail  to:  Thomas L. Haworth, Human Resources
Administrator, Purdue University Libraries, 504 West State Street, West
Lafayette, IN 47907-2058. thaworth at purdue.edu   

An Equal Access/Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer fully
committed to achieving a diverse workforce



Paul J. Bracke
Associate Dean for Information Technology
Associate Professor of Library Science
Purdue University Libraries 
504 W. State Street 
West Lafayette, IN 47907 
ph. 765.494.2900, FAX 765.494.0156 
pbracke at purdue.edu