User Experience (UX) Librarian

Position Summary

The University of Georgia Libraries seeks an innovative, service-oriented individual for the position of User Experience (UX) Librarian. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in shaping how our patrons interact with our resources and services. This faculty Librarian position reports to the Systems and Discovery Librarian; participates in professional activity; and serves on library, university, and statewide committees. Discovery and Digital Services is a new unit within the UGA Libraries recently formed as a result of our organizational assessment work. The position will work with a team dedicated to exploring and implementing user-centered library systems and applications, including the Libraries’ web presence, archival discovery, and IR platform.

This role will develop and support content strategies and style guides for the libraries’ user interfaces including the library websites and discovery layers; collaborate with library departments and technology staff to design and test user interface improvements; and serve on Library, campus, regional, and national organizations and initiatives.

UGA librarians are non-tenured faculty members. UGA offers an attractive benefits program including a choice of health and retirement plans, dental plan, vision plan, tuition remission, paid relocation, 21 days annual leave, 12 days sick leave, and 13 paid holidays.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applicants should attach a 1-2 page letter of interest, a complete CV, and the names, titles, and contact information of three professional references. The University of Georgia Libraries wish to emphasize that preferred qualifications are not required and we are committed to helping our future colleagues develop preferred knowledge, skills and abilities. Applicants are encouraged to communicate the ways in which their work meets required or preferred qualifications in ways that may not be obvious. Candidates should submit their materials by September 16, 2024, however, the position will remain open until filled.

Questions? Email libjobs@uga.edu

Posting Details

Posting Number

F2048P

Working Title

User Experience (UX) Librarian

Department

Libraries-Digital Library

About the University of Georgia

Since our founding in 1785, the University of Georgia has operated as Georgia’s oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education ( https://www.uga.edu/ ). The proof is in our more than 235 years of academic and professional achievements and our continual commitment to higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University’s main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA employs approximately 3,000 faculty and more than 7,700 full-time staff. The University’s enrollment exceeds 40,000 students including over 30,000 undergraduates and over 10,000 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 18 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

About the College/Unit/Department

The UGA Libraries advance the University of Georgia’s mission by providing the best possible access to recorded knowledge, actively contributing to the success of students and faculty through teaching and research services provided in physical and virtual environments, exemplifying the University’s strategic priority to serve the people of Georgia and beyond, and upholding the University’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. A member of the Association of Research Libraries with 75 faculty librarians and archivists, 150 staff and nearly 200 student workers, the UGA Libraries receive more than three million visits per year on average and provide services at nine locations across the Athens campus, among them the Main Library, Miller Learning Center, McBay Science Library, Special Collections Libraries and Music, Art and Education branch libraries. The UGA Libraries offer nationally distinctive special collections related to Georgia’s history, politics, and public policy, and preserves one of the foremost media collections in public broadcasting. The UGA Libraries provide IT support for Georgia Library Learning Online ( GALILEO ), Georgia’s statewide virtual library initiative, and is home to the UGA Press and Georgia Review literary journal. Please visit libs.uga.edu for more information.

Just 65 miles northeast from Atlanta, Athens is a vibrant college town filled with creative energy. The city is located along the North Oconee River in Clarke County, in northeast Georgia just below the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and only a few hours’ drive from the Atlantic coast. In 1801 it was chosen as the site of Georgia’s first state college and named Athens after the city in Greece. Today, Athens is considered one of the hippest small cities in America as well as one of the most progressive cities in the South.

Nicknamed the Classic City, Athens is best known for great music, a happening food scene, and of course the Georgia Bulldogs, winners of the 2021 College Football National Championship. In the spring, the city’s Twilight Criterium, one of the country’s largest cycling events, attracts both cyclists and spectators. Athfest, a local music festival held on outdoor stages and in venues around town takes place each summer, and the Hot Corner Festival celebrates the African American business community and culture each June. On autumn Saturdays the town swells as football fans flock to cheer on the University of Georgia Bulldogs. In recent years the town is becoming known around the Southeast for its great breweries like Creature Comforts and Terrapin. Filled with historic architecture and home to the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, Athens is a unique blend of traditional heritage and trend-setting southern culture.

In 1990, the city of Athens and Clarke County combined to form a unified government. Home to more than 100,000 residents, the top three employers include the University of Georgia, Piedmont Regional Healthcare System, and the Athens-Clarke County School District. With more than 12,000 enrolled students, the Athens-Clarke County School District is proud to serve a diverse population across 14 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools, as well as an early learning center and community career academy.

College/Unit/Department website

libs.uga.edu

Posting Type

External

Retirement Plan

TRS or ORP

Employment Type

Employee

Benefits Eligibility

Benefits Eligible

Underutilization

Advertised Salary

$60,000-$85,000, offers will be commensurate with experience.

Anticipated Start Date

01/01/2025

Effective End Date (for Limited-Term postings)

Job Posting Date

08/14/2024

Job Closing Date

Open until filled

Yes

Location of Vacancy

Athens Area

EEO Statement

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation or protected veteran status. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu).

USG Core Values Statement

The University System of Georgia is comprised of our 26 institutions of higher education and learning, as well as the System Office. Our USG Statement of Core Values are Integrity, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect. These values serve as the foundation for all that we do as an organization, and each USG community member is responsible for demonstrating and upholding these standards. More details on the USG Statement of Core Values and Code of Conduct are available in USG Board Policy 8.2.18.1.2 and can be found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section8/C224/#p8.2.18_personnel_conduct .

Additionally, USG supports Freedom of Expression as stated in Board Policy 6.5 Freedom of Expression and Academic Freedom found online at https://www.usg.edu/policymanual/section6/C2653 .

Position Details

Position Information

Classification Title

Librarian AC

FLSA

Faculty Rank

Open Rank

Contract Type

Fiscal (12 mo.)

Tenure Status

Non-Tenure Track

Minimum Qualifications

An ALA -accredited Master’s in Library and Information Science or relevant terminal degree

Additional Requirements

Candidates will be considered at the rank of Librarian/Archivist I, II, III, or IV.

• To be considered at the level of Librarian/Archivist II, candidates must have 2 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science, or 2 years of professional experience after completion of their terminal degree in a related field
• To be considered at the level of Librarian/Archivist III, candidates must have 5 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science, or 5 years of professional experience after completion of their terminal degree in a related field
• To be considered at the level of Librarian/Archivist IV, candidates must have 10 years of professional experience after completion of their master’s degree in librarianship/information science, or 10 years of professional experience after completion of their terminal degree in a related field

For more information about the requirements for the Librarian and Archivist ranks, please see the Guidelines for Librarian/Archivist Faculty Rank and Promotion: https://www.libs.uga.edu/sites/default/files/admin/Guidelines.pdf

Relevant/Preferred Education, Experience, Licensure, and/or Certification

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and/or Competencies

• Familiarity with UX design, information architecture, or digital content management principles;
• Ability to work with users to test, analyze, and report usability and accessibility of public user interfaces and work with development staff to improve general user experience and comply with WCAG standards
• Knowledge of discovery layers like EBSCO Discovery Service ( EDS ) and/or content management systems like Drupal or WordPress;
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization ( SEO ) and how SEO relates to the discovery of library resources;
• Knowledge of Google analytics or other web analytics platform;
• Strong communication and collaboration skills;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to communicate technical information to a general audience and to interact effectively with students, faculty, and staff;
• Ability to work collegially and in a leadership role with library colleagues in a complex and changing environment;
• Ability to embrace change, think creatively and work independently;

Physical Demands

Is this a Position of Trust?

No

Does this position have operation, access, or control of financial resources?

No

Does this position require a P-Card?

No

Is having a P-Card an essential function of this position?

No

Is driving a responsibility of this position?

No

Does this position have direct interaction or care of children under the age of 18 or direct patient care?

No

Does this position have Security Access (e.g., public safety, IT security, personnel records, patient records, or access to chemicals and medications)

No

Credit and P-Card policy

Be advised a credit check will be required for all positions with financial responsibilities. For additional information about the credit check criteria, visit the UGA Credit Background Check website .

Background Investigation Policy

Offers of employment are contingent upon completion of a background investigation including, a criminal background check demonstrating your eligibility for employment with the University of Georgia; confirmation of the credentials and employment history reflected in your application materials (including reference checks) as they relate to the job-based requirements of the position applied for; and, if applicable, a satisfactory credit check. You may also be subject to a pre-employment drug test for positions with high-risk responsibilities, if applicable. Please visit the UGA Background Check website .

Duties/Responsibilities

Duties/Responsibilities

• Collaborates across library departments to develop and support content strategies that ensure the libraries’ digital interfaces are intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly;
• Uses a variety of assessment methods to better understand the needs of our users, inform design decisions, and identify and implement improvements to optimize the library’s discovery service, OPAC, website, and other digital platforms;
• Develops and supports internal style guides and UX resources for the libraries’ content contributors and provides training to libraries staff to ensure content contributors can operate effectively in the system and meet the needs of our users
• Leads task-based working groups in order to propose enhancements to systems, services, and spaces based on user needs;
• Organizes and categorizes digital content, making it easier for users to find relevant materials;
• Champion accessibility best practices, ensuring that all library resources comply with WCAG guidelines;
• Educates library staff on UX principles and assists with implementing user-centered practices;
• Work closely with librarians and developers to create cohesive user experiences;
• Keep abreast of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in UX design

Percentage Of Time

100

Posting Specific Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. * How did you find out about this position at the UGA Libraries?
   
   (Open Ended Question)
   
   

Applicant Documents
Required Documents

1. Resume/CV
2. Cover Letter
3. List of References with Contact Information

Optional Documents