Research Analyst

Library Research Service

Colorado State Library, Denver

Application Deadline

Apply By Apr 29th, 2010

Wages

$56,981.00 to $69,000.00 per Year   Calculate

Location

Denver, CO

Hours

40.00

MLS

Preferred

Minimum Education

Master's Degree

Library Experience

Not Specified

Supervisory Experience

Not Specified

Type of Library

Public

This job is more than 3 weeks old or the application deadline has passed.

Job Description

Research Analyst - Is this job right for you?
The person who will be successful and happy in the Research Analyst position will possess a deep-seated belief that data is fascinating. S/he will have a desire to collaborate with colleagues to make statistics meaningful, useful, accessible, and interesting to others. This is an opportunity to share a talent with numbers and data with a highly appreciative library and education community, as well as policy makers, stakeholders, and community members. It affords the opportunity to explore various aspects of libraries and the library profession through research, so an interest in libraries and education is essential. The more a candidate knows about statistical analysis the better. The person in this position will use statistics to interpret data and must understand which statistical methods are appropriate and how to correctly conduct data analysis using those methods. Examples of commonly used statistical methods/concepts include: mean, median, correlations, percentiles, frequency, statistical significance, sampling, t-test, outliers, Pearson r, independent and dependent variables, crosstabs, standard deviation, descriptive and inferential statistics, and confidence interval. Equally important is the ability to write about the statistical findings and make them understandable to a broad spectrum of readers. Knowing that data and statistical analysis are not meaningful in and of themselves, the person in this position will help bring meaning to statistics through the creation of charts, tables, reports, online tools, and narrative. LRS is part of a vibrant, collegial State Library that encourages collaboration among all staff. LRS staff has worked with all the other units of the State Library on outcome-based evaluation, data analysis, survey administration, available data acquisition, etc. This position reports to the Director of the Library Research Service and will be supported by and supportive of other LRS staff in a highly cooperative work environment. However, the ability to “stick one’s head in the computer” for hours at a time will be vital, as statistical research takes long stretches of concentrated work time. This position is for a person who likes a balance of human interaction and time to think and work independently. The Research Analyst will serve as a mentor to University of Denver Research Fellows (interns) at LRS—a rewarding and challenging opportunity to assist and influence the next generation of librarians. As a mentor, the person in this position will help research fellows understand statistical concepts, conduct research, and write accurately about findings. Broad Scope of Position: Responsible for the daily operations of the Library Research Service (LRS) to ensure that library staff and administrators, educators, and state and local decision-makers have research and statistics needed to improve library services to Colorado residents, and especially students and teachers. Preferred Qualifications: - Ability to plan and administer statistical surveys. - Knowledge of principles of research design and post-graduate research experience in library science or related field (e.g., education, social sciences.) - Ability to write, edit, and design documents for both CDE and external publication (e.g. Colorado Libraries, American Libraries, Bowker Annual.) - Experience using Windows-based word processing (Word), spreadsheet (Excel), presentation (PowerPoint), and statistical analysis (SPSS) software. - Experience demonstrating collegiality and a strong service orientation with co-workers, clients, and third parties. - Ability to make successful presentations at conferences, workshops, retreats, and other meetings. - Experience working in libraries or related organizations. - Desire to collaborate with colleagues in making statistics meaningful, useful, and accessible to users. This position is employed by the Colorado State Library, a division within the Colorado Department of Education (CDE). It reports to the Director of Library Research Service. Formal CDE position description and related information links below... Please visit the formal position posting at http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/download/9065-SrConsultant.pdf While the application procedure itself is outlined in the formal position posted by our HR department, here’s the “Cliffs Notes” version: You will need to submit a CDE Employment Application form along with your letter and accompanying material to the HR department. Bring your best!

HR Info

Formal application procedure and posting at: http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/HR/jobs.htm and http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdemgmt/download/9065-SrConsultant.pdf

Posted Apr 14, 2010