The Pratt Institute Libraries seek a User Experience & Web Services Librarian (UXWS Librarian) to join our Research & Collection Development department. The User Experience & Web Services Librarian is a 12-month per year, full-time, tenure-track faculty position based in Brooklyn. The position reports to the Chair of Research & Collection Development and routinely collaborates across the Libraries with other departments including Collections Management, Access Services, and Library Technology & Innovation. The UXWS Librarian researches, assesses and develops innovative and fully accessible online tools and platforms that support the Libraries’ efforts in research support, resource discovery, information literacy instruction, and campus outreach. The ideal candidate approaches web design, research, and learning technologies from a forward-looking perspective, tailoring effective solutions that address the unique and evolving research needs of Pratt’s diverse and creative community. 

The UXWS Librarian will be an excellent communicator who thrives in an environment that values an iterative approach to library resource development. The principles of diversity, equity, accessibility, civic engagement, social justice, and wellness undergird the teaching and learning at Pratt Institute. The Libraries’ play a key role in this effort and, with the support of the UXWS Librarian, will create a welcoming environment with resources that are accessible to all researchers across learning modalities. In addition, the UXWS Librarian will provide guidance in areas adjacent to the online environment such as maintaining data privacy and intellectual property. As such, we are looking for a candidate who is user focused, service minded, and pedagogically grounded in their work and research.  

The Pratt Institute Libraries support the research and education of approximately 5,200 undergraduate and graduate students across campuses in Brooklyn and Manhattan. The Libraries provide research support to students, faculty, staff, and visiting scholars pursuing teaching and learning in areas of art, design, architecture, information studies, writing, and other fields of academic inquiry and creative work. Pratt Institute Libraries’ educational vision includes a demonstrated commitment to the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion in teaching, research, educational support, and community values. Library faculty have liaison responsibilities that include collection development and management, information literacy instruction, and outreach. Pratt recognizes the strength that stems from a diversity of perspectives, ideas, backgrounds, approaches, and experiences. Together, we aspire to be a place that always welcomes and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to contribute and be part of Pratt culture. 

More about Pratt Institute Libraries 

As a top-ranked college with opportunities in art, design, architecture, liberal arts and sciences, and information studies, Pratt offers nearly 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. The Institute’s impact expands beyond its 25-acre residential campus in Brooklyn to cutting-edge facilities throughout the borough, a landmark building and public gallery in Manhattan, as well as an extension campus, PrattMWP College of Art and Design in Utica, New York. Since its founding in 1887, Pratt has prioritized diversity and inclusion, welcoming students from all walks of life while developing and sustaining pathways to more equitable workplaces and careers. 

More about Pratt Institute

Job Responsibilities:

User Experience

• Bring a user centered, innovative approach to the design and placement of library resources.
• Plan, lead, and report on the Libraries’ user experience research efforts aimed at the continuous improvement and interoperability of websites and systems.
• Collaborate with the Libraries’ Technology team in implementing solutions based on user experience research.
• Develop and maintain internal style guides and UX resources for staff.
• In close collaboration with the Library Systems Administrator and Electronic Resources Librarian work to enhance usability, discoverability,  and accessibility of online library resources.

Library Webspace

• Work collaboratively across departments in maintaining a functional, attractive and usable website with the end user always in mind. 
• Lead efforts in the design of the Libraries’ webspace; work includes content creation and user experience design. 
• Stay abreast of trends in instructional technologies, research support tools, and online publishing and scholarship.
• Implement and maintain internal and external communication, statistical, and scheduling tools.
• Develop and maintain front end web systems and web-based applications such as the libraries’ website, LibApps, and others.

The Libraries & The Institute

• Perform faculty-related service within the Libraries and for the Institute.
• Participate in providing reference service and library instruction to Pratt Institute students, faculty, and staff.
• Serve on Institute and Library committees.
• Participate in outreach efforts to assigned liaison areas.
• Manage and develop library collections for assigned subject areas.
• Develop activities, outreach tools, or programs that support social justice, equity, and diversity.
• Meet requirements for promotion and tenure.
• Create and maintain research guides, online tutorials, and web content to support assigned disciplinary areas. Maintains other library web pages as assigned.
• Play a role in the Libraries’ efforts to address issues relating to the intersection of ethics, technology, and education; reach across the institute to work with colleagues outside of the library to address such issues.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• ALA accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent.

Experience

• Experience conducting usability studies for a library or academic institution.
• Demonstrated experience creating online instructional resources such as tutorials and research guides. 
• Experience with content management software such as  WordPress.
• Experience maintaining a website for a cultural heritage institution. 

Essential Knowledge and Skills

• Working knowledge of best practices in web and instructional design.
• Working knowledge of CSS, HTML, Javascript. 
• Familiarity with server side programming languages such as PHP.
• Working knowledge of CSS and javascript frameworks such as Bootstrap.
• Working knowledge of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1).
• Experience with Springshare products (LibGuides, LibWizard, LibAnswers, LibStaffer, LibInsight, LibCal) highly desired.
• Demonstrated knowledge of online learning environments and contemporary research practice.
• Familiarity with technologies and standards for creating accessible online reference and instructional support tools.
• Demonstrated fluency with current library pedagogy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of diversity and inclusion; ability to work well with diverse populations; and demonstrated level of cultural competence.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to set and modify work priorities independently with a high degree of initiative.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

Salary, Benefits, and Faculty Support

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Salary range is $82,500-87,500 .

Generous Benefits:

• 403B Retirement Program
• Supplemental Retirement Account
• Tuition Benefits for Employees and Dependents
• Tuition Exchange Program
• Summer hours
• Flexible Spending Accounts - commuter, medical, dependent care
• Child Care Benefit
• Basic life and AD&D insurance provided by Pratt
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Coverage
• Paid time off - vacation days, sick leave, research leave, and major holidays off
• Additional Perks - free entry to select museums and cultural institutions, free use of campus recreation facilities

Application Instructions

• A curriculum vitae (CV)
• A cover letter outlining 1) your interest in the position; 2) at least one qualification not included in your resume; and 3) how this position aligns with your career goals. 
• A 1 page statement describing how you have worked to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in your career and how you would continue to do so at Pratt.
• If you are selected for an interview, please be prepared to provide at least 3 References via our on-line reference tool system. At least one of your References must be, or have been your direct managers. 

Application Process

This institution is using Interfolio's Faculty Search to conduct this search. Applicants to this position receive a free Dossier account and can send all application materials free of charge.

For best consideration application materials should be submitted by January 31st, 2024. First-round interviews will be conducted via Zoom, and finalists will be invited for on-campus visits in the Spring 2024 semester.

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to mgarklav@pratt.edu.