User Experience and Assessment Librarian - OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Position Summary:

Reporting to the University Librarian, the User Experience (UX) and Assessment Librarian provides leadership in three innovative areas: front-end website design and information architecture, usability and assessment of online and in-person of all Library services, and curricular support through participation in the faculty Library Liaison program, and the Library Readiness Program for first year students. The User Experience and Assessment Librarian leads front-end development of the Library’s web presence and web apps, as well as contributes design, development, and prototyping expertise to online exhibits, research applications, LibGuides, Institutional Repository, AR/VR projects, wayfinding, digital signage, etc. This librarian performs UX/UI design and user research to help design, build, and integrate tools and systems (applications, websites, APIs, etc.) to support these experiences. The UX design librarian plays a key role in advancing the Library’s vision of building a platform for the creation, discovery, use, dissemination, and preservation of knowledge that is fully open and equitably accessible.

Summary of Responsibilities:

User Experience and Web Design

• Develop information architecture and interaction design of user-centered websites and mobile applications in Drupal
• Develop high-level and/or detailed mock-ups and prototypes to effectively communicate interaction and design ideas
• Working in collaboration with Marketing & Communications, model graphic designs based on standards and branding
• Conduct user research through stakeholder interviews, competitive and heuristic reviews, analytics, observation, surveys, etc., and convert research findings into actionable results
• Participate in or lead user testing, including remote and paper prototype testing, iterative prototype testing, as well as accessibility reviews
• Make enhancement recommendations as needed and ensure solutions are accessible and intuitive
• Build out sites in existing CMSs, develop and curate content via content creation/review and content inventories

User Experience and Assessment Initiatives

• Work in partnership with cataloging, circulation, and systems staff, to remedy issues related to patron access and discovery resources
• Collaborate with the Instructional Design and Academic Engagement Librarian to develop timely, course driven, academic programing that advances information literacy and research education
• Organize user focused research using various techniques and tools that enhance existing services or potentially create new services
• Maintain knowledge of operating systems, programming languages, and software
• Serve as the lead collaborator in creating an organizational culture that supports assessment and UX design that contribute to achieving the strategic objectives of the OCAD University Library
• Manage monthly data collection for annual reporting and survey responses including: gathering; reviewing, validating and evaluating; and synthesizing data submitted by individual library staff
• Align Library assessment initiatives with the teaching and learning mission of the University
• Analyze and report quantitative and qualitative data from Library user surveys, focus groups, interviews, anecdotal details, and vendor usage statistics

Professional Development

• Actively contribute to professional organizations in areas of expertise; contribute to the profession through active participation in relevant conferences, associations, and writing
• Actively participate on specialized teams or working groups to support the unique needs and strategic goals at OCAD University
• Maintain currency through ongoing, proactive acquisition, maintenance, and provision of leadership in the development of associated skills and knowledge in areas of expected expertise

Library Outreach and Engagement

• Serve as a key collaborator in the development and evaluation of an assessment program for all aspects of public services that measures student success across established metrics, in partnership with all Liaison Librarians
• Explore, design, and assess initiatives that optimize the user experience for students and faculty
• Collect, evaluate, and present feedback and assessment data on course-related instructional sessions
• Co-design effective learning objects in partnership with relevant faculty, and the Instructional Design and Academic Engagement Librarian, that support curriculum and information literacy instruction activities
• Participate in the Library Readiness Program for first year students
• Cultivate a deep understanding of the resource needs of faculty and students; regularly consult with faculty regarding library resources and services; update faculty monthly about new services, programs, and resources
• Complete cyclical review (ECM) and IQAP reports for assigned Liaison departments as required
• Participate in ongoing collection development and management activities, in assigned faculty liaison areas
• Maintain currency with library functions, resources, practices and procedures, including changes and developments within the Drupal content management system; contribute to the development of library programs, services, and expertise through participation in task forces, working groups, and implementation committees; create and maintain documentation and training materials
• Participate in the weekly service desk schedule, including evening and weekend shifts as required
• Support the University Librarian with other duties as assigned that contribute to the successful operation of Library Services

Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited library and Information Studies program, or equivalent
• A Bachelor’s degree in web design, graphic design, interactive design, or equivalent combination of education and experience; advanced degree or certificate in web design, graphic design, interactive design, or related degree, considered an asset
• A minimum of three (3) years of demonstrated experience in UX design, UI/UX engineering, or other related experience, preferably with relevant job experience in an academic library
• Experience implementing modern SASS/CSS to ensure cross-device, cross-browser compatibility, preferred
• Experience using Microsoft PowerBi to create dashboards is an asset; or a desire to learn
• Experience designing search and content discovery user interfaces
• Well versed in qualitative user research methodologies and analysis techniques; ability to translate insights into actionable design recommendations
• Strong information architecture and design skills, with proficiency in one or more wireframing/prototyping tools
• Excellent time-management, multi-tasking, and written and verbal communication skills, including influencing and negotiation, and writing for the web or social media
• Experience exploring new trends in user experience, interface design, programming and development
• Ability to prototype new tools and run pilot projects to test new technologies
• Knowledge of web standards, best practices for accessibility and usability, processes and tools for creation and curation of web content, multimedia, and mobile/responsive design (Photoshop, Illustrator, Sketch, Adobe XD, or similar)
• Experience in reference and information literacy activities in an academic setting
• Experience developing and managing academic library assessment activities, and user experience methodologies; awareness of various information literacy assessment systems
• Outstanding interpersonal skills with demonstrated capacity for success in working with students, faculty, library colleagues, and administrators
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, and collaboratively in teams
• Superior client service with demonstrated professionalism, collegiality and sound judgement
• Evidence of scholarly research and/or active participation and contribution to the library profession
• Familiarity with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and its related standards
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and access, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation: Hiring Range - $73,662.84 to $84,290.33 per annum, commensurate with experience, plus benefits; Salary Range - $73,662.84 to $96,456.43 per annum.

Hours of Work: Total of 35 hours per week. Due to the COVID-19, the University is operating under a work from home program. At this time, the plan is to continue the work from home program until August 13, 2021, and as such the incumbent in this role will be working remotely during this time.

Application Deadline: Interested applicants are invited to submit an updated resume, with a cover letter on the OCAD University Employment Opportunities page, no later than Friday June 18, 2021.

As an employer committed to employment equity, we encourage applications from members of equity-seeking communities including women, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities/expressions.

We encourage members of designated equity-seeking groups to self-identify within the voluntary Applicant Questionnaire.

In order to alleviate the under-representation of racialized and Indigenous administrators, priority in hiring will be given to qualified racialized and Indigenous persons who self-identify as such in the application process. This initiative is a special program under the Ontario Human Rights Code.

OCAD University is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier free experience to applicants with accessibility needs. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage during the recruitment process. Please contact Human Resources for more information or refer to OCAD U’s Policy of Accommodation in Employment for Persons with Disabilities

All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority. While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those short-listed will be contacted.