[Web4lib] Position announcement: Digital User Experience Specialist - Purdue University, W Lafayette, IN

[Kirkwood, Hal]

Digital User Experience Specialist
Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor

The Purdue University Libraries seek an energetic and innovative individual with expertise in usability, information architecture, and information-seeking behaviors to develop more effective approaches to learning and research in the Libraries' virtual environment. This includes providing leadership in the information architecture of Libraries websites, web applications and tools, usability testing and user research, the integration of emerging technologies, and the development of mobile interfaces.

The Digital User Experience Specialist will collaborate with library faculty and staff on improving the usability of the Purdue Libraries web presence, including websites and web-facing services and collections. 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. Work with technical staff in the Libraries and other stakeholders, both in the Libraries and in Colleges and Schools of the University, to develop a robust website infrastructure. Provide a seamless web environment and integrate various library applications and services. Engages in scholarship related to online user behaviors, information organization, and web technologies. Reports to the Associate Dean for Digital Programs and Information Access

Required Qualifications:

Master's Degree from an ALA accredited Library and Information Science program, terminal degree in Human-Computer Interaction, or an appropriate related terminal degree. Knowledge of and/or experience in information architecture, user experience design, and findability. Knowledge of new and emerging methods of disseminating information. Demonstrated interest in the application of current and emerging technologies to meet the changing needs of users. 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 Qualifications:

Demonstrated ability and experience with the principles of information architecture, user interface design, and human-computer interaction. Familiar with current issues and trends in library technology. 1-2 years of academic library experience. Record of scholarship and instruction in areas related to online user behaviors, information organization, or web technologies.

Environment: The Purdue University Libraries system (http://www.lib.purdue.edu/) includes the divisions of Archives and Special Collections (ASC); Health and Life Sciences (HLS); Humanities, Social Sciences, Education, and Business (HSSEB); and Physical Sciences, Engineering and Technology (PSET). Other areas include Collections Management, Circulation and Repositories, Resource Sharing, Resource Services, Instruction and Digital Program Services, and the Distributed Data Curation Center (D2C2). The Purdue University Press and the University Copyright Office report to the dean of libraries and the work of these units is integrated with and into the operations of the Libraries. The staff of 175 includes 70 faculty and professionals.

At Purdue, the Libraries faculty is redefining the role of librarians within the learning, discovery, and engagement initiatives of the University, through involvement in information literacy instruction, scholarly communication, e-science, data management, and global outreach. The Purdue Libraries has embarked upon a comprehensive information literacy program, including the creation of the first endowed chair in information literacy in the country in 2008 and the expansion of collaborative endeavors with disciplinary faculty. Libraries faculty collaborate with disciplinary faculty to develop methodologies and repositories for discovering, accessing, and sharing of research publications and data. A reconceptualization of spaces is taking place throughout the Libraries. A major renovation, underway since 2009, of the newly-named Roland G. Parrish Library of Management and Economics (http://www.lib.purdue.edu/adv/newsletters/LibNews_F10.pdf) has resulted in a space that is a natural extension of the classroom, where students can work in teams or individually, using smart boards, image capture equipment, and computer pod workstations. A reconceptualized undergraduate library is now under study and a combined science and engineering library is in the planning stages.

Purdue Libraries is an active member of state, regional, national, and international associations and consortia, including the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR), the Digital Library Federation (DLF), the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA), and the International Association of Scientific and Technological University Libraries (IATUL). The Purdue Libraries is a founding member of both HathiTrust and DataCite. Purdue is one of four universities collaborating with Ex Libris, Inc., on its Alma library system, the next generation library management service.

Purdue Libraries is a leader in the area of data curation, including development of the Data Curation Profiles which provide information professionals a means of investigating, uncovering, and capturing the data needs of faculty researchers. The Libraries partners with ITaP (Information Technology at Purdue) and the Purdue Office of Research to provide assistance with funder data requirements. Since 2005, Purdue Libraries has collaborated in interdisciplinary sponsored research on campus with over 100 faculty, as well as off campus with other libraries and institutions, and has partnered with the ARL Initiative to Recruit a Diverse Workforce to provide ARL Diversity Scholars with a behind-the-scenes look at the advanced operations of research libraries.

Purdue University (http://www.purdue.edu/), located in West Lafayette, Indiana, in the historic Wabash River valley, is one hour from Indianapolis and two hours from Chicago. Renowned for its programs in engineering, science, agriculture, and business, the University has over 39,000 students and 15,000 employees. Purdue is a member of the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU), the Association of American Universities (AAU), and the Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC). Purdue has the second highest enrollment of international students among public U.S. universities, with 6,761 undergraduate, professional, and graduate students in fall 2010, including 1,203 freshmen (15% of the freshman class). The greater Lafayette area (http://www.homeofpurdue.com/) provides diverse cultural, social, and recreational activities.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary commensurate with experience in the context of Purdue University's salary structure. Faculty tenure-track position with a twelve-month appointment. Rank of assistant or associate professor depending on qualifications. Purdue provides a generous fringe benefit package that includes retirement benefits as well as health, disability and life insurance, 22 annual vacation days, and tuition support for employee, children, and spouse/same sex domestic partner.

Application process:

To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of at least three references via email to Julie Musick Hillgrove, Libraries Human Resources Administrator, at hr at lib.purdue.edu<mailto:hr at lib.purdue.edu>. Please place "Digital User" in the subject line of the email. Nominations for the position will be accepted and should be sent to the same email address. Review of applications will begin on May 1, 2011, and will continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to Julie Musick Hillgrove at 765-494-2903 or the above email address.

Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer fully committed to achieving a diverse workforce.


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Hal Kirkwood, Associate Prof.           WK:765/494-2921
Associate Head                          FX:765/494-2923
Mgmt & Econ Library                     kirkwood at purdue.edu<mailto:kirkwood at purdue.edu>
504 West State Street - KRAN
Purdue University                       AIM: hpkirkwood
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2058           http://www.lib.purdue.edu/mel/
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=677557001<http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=677557001%20>

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