User Experience (UX) Specialist

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LIBRARY
USER EXPERIENCE (UX) SPECIALIST
USER EXPERIENCE (UX) DEPARTMENT
(3 Year Term Limited Appointment with Possible Extension)

The University of Michigan Library is seeking a talented user experience professional to join our newly formed User Experience (UX) Department. We are looking for someone with a passion for user research, the ability to create engaging designs, and an investment in improving the library users' web experience. This position will be a full-time, three-year term appointment with the possibility of renewal.

The User Experience Department is part of the Library Information Technology Division (LIT) at the University of Michigan, University Library. LIT is the library's key organization for the creation, deployment and support of the library's primary web interfaces (Library Website, Mirlyn Library Catalog, Digital Library Collections, and HathiTrust Digital Library).

The UX department will focus on interface design, mobile design and development, usability testing, user research, web use statistics, and accessibility. The UX Specialist works in a collaborative team environment - working closely with the UX Department Manager and UX Mobile Developer as well as LIT and library-wide project stakeholders. The UX Specialist will help drive interface development through an iterative usability and design process. Candidates who have experience in only interface design or usability will also be considered.

*Demonstration of work samples via an electronic portfolio is a plus.

(Questions about the job description may be emailed to Suzanne Chapman, User Experience Department Manager at suzchap@umich.edu )

RESPONSIBILITIES
User Research 40%
• Conducts ongoing discovery of user needs, both prior to and following interface deployment by analyzing user and institutional needs.
• Designs and conducts user research/usability evaluations using a variety of techniques (e.g. formal/informal user testing, online surveys, card sorting, interviews, personas & scenarios, use cases, focus groups, ethnographic research techniques).
• Conducts regular web use statistics and email feedback analysis to identify opportunities for improvement.
• Conducts web accessibility audits.

Interface Design 40%
• Develops wireframes, mock ups, and prototypes to define user interface functionality, navigation, information architecture, interaction, and overall design to help drive user interface development from concept to implementation. Creates HTML prototypes which approximate a functional interface for the purposes of evaluation and communication with the developers.
• Conducts ongoing research into the development of new interface capabilities, enhancements, and user-centered design trends.
• Creates complete interface designs and web graphics.

Project Management & Communication 20%
• Helps to establish project priorities and discuss design goals with LIT managers, project stakeholders, developers, and library staff.
• Performs occasional project management duties including establishment of timelines, coordination of staff, scheduling, and reporting.
• Participates, as needed, on library committees. May provide advice or assistance to other units within the University Library on user research or interface issues.
• Oversees project documentation.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
• ALA-accredited Masters Degree in Library or Information Science, or an equivalent combination of a relevant advanced degree in Graphic Design, UxD, HCI and significant professional experience in a related field.
• Knowledge and experience in areas of user research and usability methods, design, and analysis.
• Experience creating concept sketches, flow diagrams, wire frames, and mock-ups.
• Excellent written and oral skills. Ability to work independently and in a team environment with culturally diverse students, faculty, and staff. Ability to handle multiple tasks and projects simultaneously.
Desired
• Experience creating complete interface designs and web graphics.
• Experience designing and/or evaluating Library Systems (e.g., digital libraries, OPACs, library websites) or other complex, data-rich websites.
• Experience designing and/or evaluating mobile interfaces.
• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite software, diagramming software (e.g., Omnigraffle, Visio), screen recording software (e.g., Camtasia, Morae, UserVue), assistive technology (e.g., JAWS).
• Familiarity with accessibility coding standards, validation tools, and evaluation techniques.
• Experience creating and editing web pages using HTML & CSS or web authoring software (e.g., Dreamweaver).
• Familiarity with XML, XSLT, Drupal, Javascript.
• Experience conducting log/web use statistics analysis.

BENEFITS, RANK, & SALARY
Final rank and salary dependent on experience and qualifications; position is anticipated to be filled at the Assistant Librarian or Associate Librarian level. Professional positions receive 24 days of vacation a year; 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits as well as opportunities for professional development and travel. TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments retirement options available.

APPLICATION PROCESS
Send cover letter & resume (as email attachments please) to libhumres@umich.edu directed to the attention of Robert Campe; Library Human Resources; 404 Hatcher Graduate Library North; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205. For further information, call 734 764-2546.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin immediately (3/22/10) and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.