Some synchronicity:
http://librariansmatter.com/blog/2008/01/15/emerging-technologies-specialist/
Kathryn Greenhill notes her new job title:
Emerging Technologies Specialist — Actually, the contract says “Librarian – Emerging Technologies” – but we’re still sorting that bit out… I’m still at Murdoch University and based in the library. The position is funded 50% by the library and 50% by central IT, and covers more than just the library.
(snip)
I report to the chair of the Learning Technologies Steering Group . The LTSG is a University Committee that looks at existing systems like WebCt and Turnitin, but is also the group where Web2.0 types of technologies are examined for pedagogical use. They are the mob that supported our proposal to set up Murdoch University Island in Second Life. It’s made up of people from the Library, Teaching and Learning, the IT department, Academic staff and students.
I’m impressed – especially with the sense of campus-wide collaboration and planning.
Next, Brian Mathews notes that he and Amanda Etches-Johnson are not going to be the only User Experience Librarians out in library land, pointing to a couple of new job ads:
http://www.lib.muohio.edu/employment/user-exp.pdf
Position: Information Services Librarian, User Experience Librarian
Miami University Libraries, Oxford, OH, has an opening in the Information Services Department for a User Experience librarian. We seek a self-motivated, energetic, service-oriented, flexible team-player with a can-do attitude who is technology savvy, interested in enhancing the quality of the user experience using Web 2.0 technologies, and teaching about information technology; someone who can embrace an environment of continual improvement and change in an organization that strives to stay close to the cutting edge of technology. This position reports to the Head, Information Services, Interim Assistant Dean.
Responsibilities: The successful candidate will:
• Possess a clear understanding of current trends and new technologies for delivering research
assistance and instruction;
• Demonstrate skills, knowledge, interest in, and dedication in investigating, designing, developing,
adapting and integrating Web 2.0 applications such as social software, virtual worlds, and
handheld devices to improve delivery of research and other assistance as well as enhancing
communication with students and faculty;
• Work with the Libraries web site team to incorporate and deliver user-centered library services;
• Have familiarity with and an interest in usability testing;
• Develop and teach credit/non-credit courses and workshops for librarians, students, faculty and
staff;
• Participate with research help in-house and via email, chat, and IM (evenings and weekends
required);
• Participate actively in the Libraries’ team organization.
and http://chronicle.com/jobs/id.php?id=0000543288-01
A stellar opportunity to craft proactive changes for an already successful library exists at Agnes Scott College in Decatur/Atlanta, Georgia. McCain Library seeks a User Experience Librarian to provide leadership for digital initiatives and services in the user, reference, and instructional programs of the library. Responsibilities also include user education, research assistance, and some collection development.
The successful candidate for this position will develop innovative services for students and faculty; manage the library website (taking advantage of Library 2.0 tools where practical), enhancing pages that support reference and instructional activities; oversee the information literacy program with teaching assistance from two other librarians; assess users’ experiences for data-driven improvement; and collaborate on collection development.
Requirements: ALA-accredited Master’s degree. Minimum of 3 years post-Master’s experience required, including significant reference and instruction (group and one-on-one) experience in an academic library. Applied knowledge of emerging information technologies, including learning objects, web-authoring tools, and social networking software. Clear knowledge of current trends in library instruction/information literacy; and ease with teaching groups. Positive, enthusiastic approach to public service in an academic library. Initiative and ability to conceive and carry out projects on a deadline. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with faculty and with staff in all areas, particularly instructional technology, assessment, and student services.
Preferred: Programming experience (UNIX – for minor SFX work). Familiarity with liberal arts and sciences curricula. Experience with print and electronic collection development. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and in collaborative teams.
What interests me most these days is looking at the requirements and skills for these jobs and wondering if our program and LIS education in general is fitting the bill for these libraries to have a pool of possible candidates.
And don’t miss Amanda Etches-Johnson’s bio page at her library. I really appreciate the glimpse into her worklife and the online CV. What a great way for folks to learn about their librarians.