University of New South Wales - Human Resources - Job Vacancies, Human Resources, UNSW

19 January 2007

Information Service Industry Researcher

UNIVERSITY LIBRARY

REF. 4741NET

Salary Level 6: A$55K - A$59K per year (plus up to 17% employer superannuation plus leave loading).

UNSW Library is seeking to employ a number of professional grade information specialists to work in its newly formed Information Services Department. The available positions provide a unique opportunity for motivated individuals to be part of a unique model of service delivery to the University community.

There are four units within this department, three of which are recruiting.

Academic Services Unit: responsible for outreach to, and delivery of services to the UNSW Library user community
Services Innovation Unit: responsible for keeping abreast of trends and benchmarks within the industry to ensure continuous improvement in service delivery
Services Development Unit: responsible for the development, maintenance and documentation of information products required for effective delivery of services.

This is a full time continuing position.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

ENVIRONMENT

The University of New South Wales is a leading Australian university with a strong record in research and a growing reputation based on its approach to learning and teaching. The University and its Library operate in an environment characterised by constant change in higher education, both nationally and globally and by increasing tensions between traditional and innovative modes of scholarly communication.

UNSW Library supports UNSW learning, teaching and research endeavours. In 2006 the main challenge for the Library and a key priority is to build relationships with academic staff and organisational units and with Library users to more accurately identify needs and to develop innovative and responsive services and products to meet then.

The Information Services Department is a new approach to meeting this challenge. ISD is structured to

ensure appropriate liaison with Library stakeholders
undertake research and measure performance to identify innovative approaches to service and product development in an increasingly online environment
provide fit for purpose and high standard physical environments for face to face service delivery to users
ensure liaison and customer services are backed up by high quality, sustainable, relevant and reliable information products

The Service Innovation Unit of the UNSW Library Information Services Department is an innovative response to the changing environment in which the Library operates. Through the integration of market intelligence and data analysis, the Unit investigates emerging trends in technology and specifies Library service innovations and enhancements which demonstrate best practice in support of research and learning & teaching.

JOB PURPOSE

Provide input to the specification of novel and innovative UNSW Library services by sourcing, analysing and evaluating high quality market intelligence and best practice exemplars relevant to the development of world class information services in an academic environment.

DUTIES

Working in a small team of experts, provide input to the development of detailed proposals for innovative information service provision.
Consider a range of market intelligence to contribute to the identification of the most appropriate information services (current or potential) to be offered by UNSW Library.
Communicate nationally and internationally with other libraries, consortia and commercial service providers in order to gather relevant information and benchmarking data.
Contribute expertise and knowledge to UNSW Library planning processes.
Proactively provide current and trend data to facilitate planning and resource allocation.
Take part in the UNSW Workplace Planning and Career Development Scheme.
Other duties as required appropriate to the level of this position.

STATISTICS

Number of academic staff (March 2004) 2,186

Number of students (EFTSU) (March 2004) 25,280

Number of Undergraduate Programs 200

Number of Postgraduate Programs 400

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

This is one of two positions reporting to the Manager, Service Innovation, the other being

1 x Statistical Analyst (HEW 6)

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

1. Market Research

Provide expert input to the development of potential new initiatives and services to support research and learning and teaching in a timely manner by identifying:
Changing needs and priorities of Library users in general and of UNSW Library users and potential users in particular
Relevant best practice in other organisations, domestically and internationally
Emerging trends and opportunities through regular and ongoing environmental scans

2. Service Specification

Contribute to detailed requirements for agreed new services and service enhancements to Service Development staff.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential criteria

Degree in market research with relevant experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education training and/or experience.
Proven ability to effectively analyse, evaluate and report on market intelligence, and qualitative data and to relate it to the needs of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to understand statistical information and statistical concepts
Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to successfully explain complex concepts to non-experts.
Proven ability to work in a small team of experts to deliver concrete outcomes
Demonstrated ability to seek and evaluate a range of innovative service options
Proven ability to contribute effectively to policy and planning
Capacity and willingness to take part in the UNSW Workplace Planning and Career Development Scheme
Knowledge of OHS responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant OHS training.
Knowledge of EEO/AA principles.

Applicants should systematically address the selection criteria in their application.

Having read all the documentation you may then direct any enquiries to Lyn Bosanquet, Director, Information Services. Email l.bosanquet@unsw.edu.au, on (61 2) 9385 2678.

Applications close 9 February 2007

HOW TO APPLY