Open Rank - Libraries - Texas Tech University

POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
TEXAS TECH UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
TITLE: Associate Librarian – USER EXPERIENCE LIBRARIAN (Open Rank)
POSITION DESCRIPTION: This tenure-track position reports directly to the Associate Dean for
Resources Management and Library Systems. Responsible for coordinating the Libraries’ user experience
efforts, for both the online and physical library environments. This new position will work to develop
relationships with the Libraries various user communities and utilize information gathered from these
relationships to identify and prioritize the user needs as they pertain to the libraries. Working
collaboratively, the UX Librarian will be responsible for the development and implementation of
programming, activities and projects designed to improve the overall user experience of the libraries.
They are expected to participate in local, regional and national organizations as appropriate. As a library
faculty member, the UX Librarian is expected to participate in professional development, research and
service activities in order to meet the Libraries and University requirements for promotion and tenure.
RESPONSIBILITIES:














Use skills and knowledge concerning user requirements, usability methodology, focus group
methodology, survey methods and basic analytics/statistics to understand the user experience and
report changes needed to improve customer experiences with library services and spaces.
Take the lead in creating an organizational culture that supports UX design as it is about making
direct improvement to the library.
Collaborate with the Web Librarian, the Libraries Website Team, and the Systems Team and any
other entities involved in user assessment activities to analyze the Libraries services and spaces
and provide input for user-centered enhancement and user assessment processes.
Create and coordinate library advisory groups representing the various library stakeholders.
Identify and evaluate all the ways the campus constituencies interact with the library and create
an approach to the full spectrum of library experiences including those involving staff.
Maintains a broad knowledge of operating systems, programming languages and software.
Ensure that the library has all the information needed to make user research-based decisions.
Design and engage in activities to understand what kinds of work the faculty, graduate and
undergraduate students need to and how they want to do it.
Organize and carry out user focused research using various techniques to alter existing services or
create new services as a direct result of the findings of the research.
Conduct effective UX research with different groups and stakeholders around the institution.
Identify and promoting the use of new and innovative technologies, and working to ensure that
adopted technologies are functional, efficient, and intuitive.
Utilize user input to collaborate on and contribute to the creation, development and
implementation of innovative projects and services available through the TTU Libraries websites,
content management systems and digital repositories.
Stay abreast of trends related to user-centered design, the development of digital library interface
capabilities, website enhancements and usability in libraries.
Engage in scholarly pursuits and other professional activities in accordance with Texas Tech
Libraries’ standards for promotion and tenure.
QUALIFICATIONS: Required: Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited
program. Preferred: Solid understanding of academic library services and enthusiasm for
creating excellent experiences in both physical and virtual environments for all library
customers. Excellent oral and written communication skills with demonstrated ability to
communicate effectively in multiple formats and to diverse audiences. Ability to summarize
complex findings and present results of assessment activities. Experience with integrated library
and discovery systems. Academic library experience. Project management skills; time
management skills essential. Energy and enthusiasm for user-focused design and commitment to
constantly update skills and techniques. Experience with library statistics collection and analysis.
SALARY AND BENEFITS: The position is a 12-month appointment with a nationally
competitive salary. Librarians and archivists have academic status and are an integral part of the
academic teaching and research mission of the University. Comprehensive benefits include
choice of retirement programs, including TIAA-CREF; 12-17 state holidays; developmental
leave opportunities; moving allowance; and no state or local income tax.
GENERAL INFORMATION: Texas Tech University (http://www.ttu.edu/) is a statesupported institution with an enrollment of around 35,000. It offers a wide range of academic
programs in colleges and schools, including graduate, law, and medicine. Texas Tech is a
member of the Association of Research Libraries, Greater Western Library Alliance and
Texshare. The University Library (http://library.ttu.edu/) has over 2.4 million volumes. Lubbock
has a metropolitan population of over 250,000 and is the regional center for education,
agriculture, health care, banking, and business.
APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply for this position, please visit the Texas Tech
University Personnel site at: http://www.texastech.edu/careers/. Select Faculty. Please fill out the
electronic application and attach a cover letter indicating qualifications and interest in the
position, current vita, and names and contact information of three references. Review of
applications will continue until position is filled.
Texas Tech is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage
applications from women, minorities, persons with disabilities, and veterans, and we consider the
needs of dual career couples. We actively encourage applications from all those who can
contribute, through their research, teaching, and/or service, to the diversity and excellence of the
academic community at Texas Tech University.
Why Lubbock?
Texas Tech is home to a diverse, highly esteemed pool of educators who excel in teaching, research and
service. In 2012, the university achieved National Research University status in the state of Texas,
receiving nearly $8 million annually from the NRU Fund to enhance research efforts. Total research
expenditures have increased 151 percent in the past four years, with expenditures in FY 2013 of more
than $137 million.
Now efforts are under way to enhance the university’s position as a great teaching and research institution
while achieving the characteristics of what are generally regarded as “Tier One” universities. As a
member of the Association of Research Libraries and the third largest academic library system in the
state, Texas Tech Libraries is an active partner in the university’s efforts to become one of the top
institutions in higher education.
While the momentum for excellence at Texas Tech has never been greater, the city of Lubbock continues
to be known for the charm and hospitality of its people. Here are just a few more reasons for calling
Lubbock home:
Affordable. The cost of living in the Lubbock area is far below the national average. According to the
Council for Community and Economic Research, Lubbock ranked 41st out of 308 urban areas in the
nation and 11th out of 34 urban areas in the state of Texas for lowest cost of living.
Comfortable. Lubbock has a mild climate with predominately warm days and cool nights throughout the
year. Summers are hot with relatively low humidity, while winters are typically sunny and mild with
infrequent extended cold periods. And it’s just a few hours’ drive from the mountains or the “big city.”
Entertaining. From art galleries to music to dance, Lubbock’s art culture is thriving. In addition, the
Lubbock area hosts numerous special events each year, including the National Cowboy Symposium &
Celebration, Lubbock Arts Festival and Lubbock Music Fest.
Health Care. Lubbock’s hospitals offer state-of-the-art medical technology and services making it
possible to receive world-class treatment and care locally. Indeed, the health care “hub” serves a
population of more than 1.2 million people.