User Experience and Assessment Librarian (Open Rank)

Title:                     User Experience and Assessment Librarian Category:            Faculty, Librarian (Open Rank) Department:      Research & Academic Services Benefits:             22 Days Annual Leave, 15 Days of Sick Leave, 3 Days Personal Leave, 15 Paid Holidays, Tuition Remission, Health, Dental, Vision, and Prescription As the largest university library system in the Washington D.C.-Baltimore area, the University of Maryland Libraries serve more than 37,500 students and 4,200 faculty of the flagship College Park campus. The University of Maryland Libraries share the teaching, learning and research goals of the university. Its role as a key academic resource is evident in its service to the academic community and its actionable strategic plan. Recent membership in the Big Ten Academic Alliance is particularly meaningful to the University Libraries and will further propel the university’s ascendancy in academic excellence.   Under the direction of the Associate Dean, Research and Academic Services, the User Experience (UX) and Assessment Librarian works across all divisions to coordinate the Libraries’ efforts to assess and improve the experience of all users. The incumbent’s duties will include participating in collaborative UX-based design of programs and services, training of library staff and faculty in UX methods, and direct assessment and improvement of user interactions with library interfaces, resources, spaces, and services. The UX and Assessment Librarian will cultivate relationships with the Libraries’ various user communities, and user information gathered from these relationships, as well as data gathered from Library systems and from other means, to help colleagues identify, evaluate, and prioritize users’ needs across the Libraries. The UX and Assessment Librarian will initiate and implement programming, activities, and projects designed to improve the overall user experience of the Libraries, using universal design principles and with the goal of developing seamless and effective interactions.   As a member of the library faculty, the incumbent has an obligation to remain professionally informed and acquire new skills, knowledge, and competencies needed to improve work processes, and to share and engage in training appropriate colleagues. The incumbent is encouraged to attend professional development offerings in the areas related to assigned responsibilities and engage in service and scholarship opportunities as appropriate.   Qualifications and Experience Education Required

• Master’s degree in library science from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association or similar credentials.

Preferred

• Advanced training or coursework in research methodologies and statistical analysis, including survey design and ethnographic methods.

  Experience Required

• One year of experience in UX-based design and assessment techniques and in leading improvements to library resources, programs, and spaces.
• Requires knowledge of universal design principles, assessment methods, website design, development, implementation, standards, and accessibility/usability guidelines and knowledge of common web usability testing techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a congenial team environment and to interact effectively with a broad variety of staff across the Libraries.

Preferred

• Two years of relevant professional experience.
• Demonstrated success applying user experience methodologies such as focus groups and ethnographic research.
• Familiarity with web content management systems, APIs, and/or web analytics.
• Knowledge of interaction design, user interface design, and/or graphic design.
• Familiarity with various software tools used for conducting usability testing and analysis.

For the full position description and faculty requirements, please go to http://www.lib.umd.edu/hr/employment-opportunities/staff-faculty-positions. Position is appointed to Librarian Faculty Ranks as established by the University System of Maryland Board of Regents. Rank at appointment is based on the successful applicant’s experience and relevant credentials. Applicant must meet the Libraries' requirements for promotion, which includes a commitment to professional development, service, and self-directed research, scholarship, and/or creative activities.  For additional information, consult the following website: http://www.president.umd.edu/policies/2014-ii-100b.html . APPLICATIONS: Electronic applications required. Please apply online at https://ejobs.umd.edu/postings/76699.  No relocation assistance will be provided.  You must be legally able to work in the United States; the University of Maryland Libraries will not sponsor individuals for employment.  An application consists of a cover letter, which includes the source of advertisement, a curriculum vitae, and names/e-mail addresses of three references. Applications will be reviewed as they are received and accepted until March 2, 2020. The University of Maryland, College Park, an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action; all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, age, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, creed, marital status, political affiliation, personal appearance, or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment, in all aspects of employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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