It looks like Amanda and I started a trend. The “User Experience Librarian” is catching on: Agnes Scott & Miami University (Oxford)
Who’s next?
My job is very different than what’s being posted at other libraries though. I do less with technology now, particularly 2.0 stuff, compared to when I was a reference and instruction librarian. It feels like half my day is spent writing and responding to emails—very 1.0.
Update: CRL News article: User Experience Librarian - job of a lifetime
Sigh. I applied for the latter. So much for keeping the job's existence on the down-low. If you are the competition, bring it. (Or nicely back off, my husband applied there, too, for his dream job... I love the dual career search!)
Final note: It's the middle of nowhere. Why would you want to move to Oxford, Ohio? However, if you are in town for an interview, be sure to stop at the UDF for a strawberry milkshake- they are divine!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 15, 2008 at 02:32 PM
C'mon. These folks have been reading Designing Better Libraries. That's where they're getting these great ideas about UX. But the Miami of Ohio job. I don't know. Do they think that web 2.0 tools equate to better user experiences? Do they get it? Anyway this reminded me to mention this story. Over the break I went to the big aquarium in Camden, NJ. They've got hippos you can see really up close and personal. So I take a wrong turn and wind up in front of a door with the name plate "Director of User Experience." Even the aquariums are discovering this, but then again maybe they read Ubiquitous.
Posted by: stevenb | January 15, 2008 at 05:45 PM
@stevenb "Director of User Experience"? No *way*. I am so pitching that title.
Posted by: amanda | January 15, 2008 at 07:25 PM
@ Anonymous
I’m too much of a Michigan guy to work in Ohio. Besides I have the best job in the profession right now. Where else can you build a library blimp, develop a Manga series, co-facilitate a Chinese student focus group, and teach two classes on Nuclear Engineering resources? And that’s just this week. Good luck with your candidacy though.
Posted by: Brian Mathews | January 16, 2008 at 07:46 AM
B: What's this about being "too much of a Michigan guy to work in Ohio"?! I'll convert you yet...
Posted by: jill | January 17, 2008 at 08:55 AM
The Wolverines are going to crush Ohio State next year, but it really doesn’t matter because the Big 10 as proven its inferiority to the SEC!
Posted by: Brian Mathews | January 17, 2008 at 08:58 AM