User Experience Librarian (Full-Time), Tufts University, Medford, MA

Posted August 17, 2022

Description:

The Research & Learning division at Tufts University’s Tisch Library seeks an innovative and collaborative colleague for the position of User Experience Librarian to continue our growth within the context of the Library’s strategic plan. This position will contribute to the development of the User Experience & Student Success Department, which, along with the Collections & Liaison Services and Digital Scholarship departments, make up the Research & Learning division. 

 The User Experience & Student Success Department leads Tisch Library in building expertise in user experience enhancement and usability, online learning, first-year instruction, and outreach to historically underrepresented groups. The work of this department includes: designing usability testing for and assessing the user’s experience of virtual and physical spaces and services; developing and supporting online learning objects and online services for all Tufts learners; providing leadership and direction for the website and LibGuides platform; and designing, developing, and implementing innovative programming for first-year instruction and outreach to historically underrepresented and marginalized groups as part of our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. To further this work, we are seeking a colleague who can complement, strengthen, and expand partnerships across library departments and with colleagues across the university to address barriers that limit access to library services, collections, programs, and spaces as Tufts strives to become an anti-racist institution. 

 This is a full-time, 12-month hybrid position.

 A successful candidate will:

• Coordinate and lead library user experience, usability, and accessibility efforts.
• Propose new user research projects and select appropriate methodologies.
• Transform user experience findings into actionable recommendations that can be used to enhance and develop innovative services and outreach.
• Lead initiatives to maintain and improve the Tisch Library website.
• Help to evaluate the user experience/usability of new systems and propose ongoing improvement of legacy systems.
• Evaluate and report on the accessibility of library systems and websites.
• Consult with members of the Research & Learning unit, other library staff, and key campus partners to develop a culture of user-centered development for library systems and services.
• Participate in planning and assessing online and face-to-face services and learning spaces for Tisch Library, particularly within the context of addressing barriers that limit access to library services, collections, programs, and spaces.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned academic departments, participate in the first-year instruction program, lead information literacy instruction sessions, and provide research consultations. 

 Minimum Requirements:

• Knowledge and skills are typically acquired through a Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, or equivalent, and two years of experience with accessibility or user research in an academic library or other public service environment.
• Successful customer service or customer assistance experience; record of responsiveness to community needs, particularly inclusive community building, in an academic library or other public service environment.
• Coursework, work experience, or other demonstrated knowledge of accessibility as it relates to library services and/or user needs assessment methods, which may include, but aren’t limited to: usability testing; user interviews; surveys; card sorting; A/B testing; ethnography, or field studies.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. 
• Strong commitment to outstanding public service. Desire to learn user needs, recommend solutions to continuously improve library service, and create a compelling, holistic, and inclusive user experience of the library.
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative environment as well as take initiative on independent projects. 
• Ability to work effectively with a culturally diverse community and willingness to adopt the Tisch Library values of Community, Curiosity & Learning, Openness, and Social Justice.

 Preferred:

• Experience designing for library environments and/or higher education.
• Successful project management experience; experience implementing user study recommendations helpful.
• Experience teaching in an academic library or higher education setting.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for exploring new technologies, user research, and assessment methodologies.
• Experience with web accessibility tools such as SiteImprove and/or survey management systems, such as Qualtrics.
• Experience with or formal coursework in the principles of design thinking.

Please be aware that candidates who are invited to interview with the search committee will be asked to provide a diversity statement in advance of that meeting.  

Reporting:

This position will report to the Head of User Experience & Student Success.

Hiring Range:

This position will be hired at the rank of either Assistant or Associate Librarian, with a salary range of $65,000-$75,000.

This is a full-time, 12-month hybrid position that includes both in-person and remote work.

About Tisch Library:

Tisch Library supports three Tufts’ Schools – Arts & Sciences, Engineering, and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts – providing collections, expertise, and technology-rich environments to assist the Tufts community in teaching, learning, research, and the creation and dissemination of scholarship.

About Tufts University:

Tufts is a student-centered research university dedicated to the creation and application of knowledge. We are committed to providing transformational experiences for students and faculty in an inclusive and collaborative environment where creative scholars generate bold ideas, innovate in the face of complex challenges, and distinguish themselves as active citizens of the world.

How to Apply:

Please submit a Cover Letter and CV/Resume at:  https://jobs.tufts.edu/jobs/17745?lang=en-us