Assessment Librarian, Harvard Library, Cambridge, MA

Posted September 10, 2014

The Assessment Librarian provides leadership for assessment, measurement, planning and analysis throughout the Harvard Libraries. This position reports into the Harvard Library Administration area and will be working under the Head of Preservation and Imaging Services. The Assessment Librarian oversees and participates in assessment efforts throughout the Harvard Libraries, collects, analyzes, and documents assessment data and develops a data-driven approach to achieving strategic objectives related to library operations and user needs; supports data management, analysis, and reporting needs across the Libraries; and coordinates and delivers training on evaluation, data, and reporting tools.

Duties and Respnsibilities:

Initiates or collaborates on cross-departmental quantitative and qualitative user and research studies and actively participates in or supports assessment-focused data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings
Develops, implements and maintains information systems to collect, store, process, and disseminate data for internal decision-making and external reporting
Analyzes and reports quantitative or qualitative data gathered from various sources including library systems, vendor statistics, observations, surveys, web analytics, interviews, and focus groups
Provides consultation, training, and documentation to support library staff as they gather, process, analyze, manage, and report data related to library resources and services
Works with LTS (Library Technology Services) to gather and create tools that enable managers and staff to make data-driven decisions
Works with the members of the Cabinet, library committees and departments to research, design and test methodologies to create a data farm for the various areas, e.g., collections development and access services
Investigates and communicates new methods for data collection, analysis, and documentation for assessment
Communicates and publishes findings, datasets, and reports to library staff in support of decision-making; reports data and findings to external audiences as appropriate
Manages data collection for annual reporting for the Harvard Libraries; including gathering, reviewing and evaluating, and synthesizing data submitted by library departments and Harvard University’s professional school libraries
Fosters and enhances a culture of assessment throughout the library
Improves and manages the Libraries’ program for gathering, archiving and analyzing local statistics on library usage, collections and services, coordinates the response to recurring surveys
Contributes to and is highly active in University, local, consortial, regional, and national meetings, conferences, and workshops to stay abreast of approaches to assessing and evaluating library resources and services
Reviews professional literature; networks with other assessment specialists and librarians outside the University; and participates in activities to stay informed about developments and trends in this aspect of library and university practice
Performs other duties as assigned

Basic Qualifications:

MLS or MIS from a program accredited by the American Library Association and/or higher education with an emphasis in assessment, research, measurement, and statistics.
Eight or more years of experience developing assessment tools or writing programs utilizing a wide range of methodologies both qualitative and quantitative that enable others to access data from multiple sources

Additional Qualifications:

Experience conducting assessment in support of social science research projects using quantitative and qualitative methods to document and analyze data
Ability to present complex information to audiences who possess different levels of library knowledge
Firm understanding of customer-focused service delivery and the measurement of customer satisfaction
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to prioritize effectively to advance multiple projects simultaneously and meet project deadlines.
Demonstrates strong analytical and problem solving skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; demonstrates adaptability and flexibility
Demonstrates initiative and ability to work collaboratively as a team member and independently
Experience working in an academic research library or institution of higher education preferred.