Website Zayed University
Zayed University, "جامعة زايد" is the newest of the three government-sponsored higher education institutions in the United Arab Emirates. Achieving accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education in the USA it became the first federal university in the UAE to be internationally accredited. It is named in honor of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the country's first president.
Assessment and User Experience Librarian – Library and Learning Commons – Dubai
The Opportunity:
The Library and Learning Commons Department at Zayed University seeks an experienced, innovative, user-centered, and collaborative Assessment and User Experience Librarian to join the team. The Assessment and User Experience Librarian engages in the robust information literacy instruction program with the main responsibilities of establishing and leading strategic initiatives and programs to achieve an engaging and supportive user learning and development experience in the Library while leading the Library’s efforts in data driven assessment initiatives. This position collaborates on Zayed University initiatives related to accessibility and the principles of Universal Design in Libraries. The Assessment and User Experience Librarian will provide technical expertise needed for the integration and support of user-facing library systems and applications in support of library collections, teaching and learning, and research activities.
The Responsibilities:
Provides leadership and coordination in the Library’s data driven assessment initiatives. Provides leadership and coordination in the development, implementation, communication, outreach of programs and initiatives associated with a vibrant and evolving user experience with Zayed University Abu Dhabi and Dubai Library’s service points, physical space, online supports, and web presence. The Assessment and User Experience Librarian:
- Works collaboratively with all library units and other university partners to assess and streamline service workflow, to eliminate/reduce service silos to enhance user experience, to advise and fulfill assessment reporting requirements;
- Collaborates with colleagues to collect, observe and analyze data to assess and make concrete recommendations for improvements and innovations in library services, and in the design and functionality of the library’s physical and virtual spaces;
- Leads investigations, assessment, and analysis of user behavior, experience and needs;
- Recommends, initiates and implements projects based on the findings of user analysis;
- Provides leadership, management and coordination of services and user experience assessment;
- Advocates a user-focused culture, service excellence and is a collaborator in ensuring that all services and spaces are accessible;
- Works closely with library and IT colleagues to optimize the usage of library resources and leverage relevant technologies to provide user-centric services for information access and discovery;
- With a consultative and data-based approach, prepares necessary reports and maintain statistics as required, promotes and implements best practices for the integration of services within the Library and other university units, ensuring that services remain responsive and proactive to the current and future needs of the university user community;
- Fosters effective and collegial communication and working relationships with faculty, staff, students, and other library users to actively promote and advocate for the library and its services, resources, and space;
- Ensures proper communication, consultation and collaboration with stakeholders and external vendors;
- Stays abreast of trends, best practices, and emerging services among academic and research libraries
Other tasks and responsibilities:
- Serves as liaison librarian to assigned academic programs for the provision of information and instructional services, collection management, subject guides, and engagement with faculty, staff, and students promoting library resources and services;
- Contributes towards course reviews in relation to the availability of course-related resources;
- Provides reference service to faculty, students and staff and serves on the Library Reference Desk and rotates to cover extended hours;
- Trains and works closely with reference technicians in performing reference duties;
- Collaborates with faculty on their research and participates in facilitating workshops for faculty on library resources available to support their teaching and research;
- Fosters and contributes to an environment of collegiality, respect, trust, and teamwork to positively contribute to the goals of the university;
- As an academic faculty position, active participation and engagement in scholarship, teaching and service is expected;
- Serves on relevant library teams, councils and university committees;
- Actively participates and demonstrates commitment in professional responsibilities that serve the Library, University, profession, and community;
- Performs related duties and responsibilities as required
The Requirements:
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent;
- Minimum 4 years of demonstrated experience as an academic librarian with a wide range of knowledge and skills in key areas such as user experience design, human factor design, collection development, information literacy instructions, reference services, and curriculum support;
- Experience with user centered design and knowledge of accessibility standards;
- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with library assessment, user experience methods, tools, software, and techniques for gathering feedback from service areas, programs and directly from users in a library or university setting;
- Experience with user needs assessment;
- Experience with web accessibility best practices;
- Demonstrated ability to analyze data, visualize results, synthesize recommendations and communicate findings for diverse audiences;
- Evidence of effective project planning and management;
- Evidence of effectiveness in teaching;
- Professional academic reference experience;
- Experience in marketing, outreach, and the promotion of library and the library services;
- Broad knowledge of current technological applications for service integration;
- Must be well organized, and able to meet deadlines and multiple demands;
- Demonstrated ability to communicate, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences;
- Must be results-oriented, flexible, self-motivated, and have an enthusiasm for teaching and technology, and an ability to collaborate with colleagues in a goal-oriented library team;
- Experience in creating and maintaining documentation of policy and procedures;
- Demonstrated history of flexibility, creativity and a strong customer service commitment;
- Willingness to travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai;
- Must show promise of advancing the mission of the University through scholarly or creative achievements;
- Experience working in a multi-cultural environment is an added advantage;
- Arabic language fluency is strongly desired.
The Benefits
The University’s benefits package is highly attractive, with competitive salaries free of tax in the U.A.E., Cash housing, a furniture allowance, annual vacation airline tickets for the employee and immediate family, educational subsidies for children and healthcare is provided to the employee and sponsored family members.
To Apply
In addition to completing the online application form, attach a cover letter, a current CV, and the names and contact details of three professional references.
While we appreciate all applications, you will be contacted only if you are selected for an interview.
To apply for this job please visit ae.indeed.com.