Job Description
Do you pride yourself on your attention to detail? Do you find yourself looking for the "real story" behind the numbers reported in the media? Are you intrigued by the popularity of infographics? If so, we’ve got the job for you! Library Research Service (LRS)—a unit of the Colorado State Library—has an opening for the position of Research Assistant.
This person will collaborate with LRS colleagues to write about research findings for the library community, develop content for LRS.org, and support evaluation projects. The ideal person for this opening is passionate about libraries, appreciates and is comfortable with data and numbers, and is looking for a position that is part job, part discovery, and part learning. S/he is the type of person who knows...
- how to write well, especially for non-experts and the web
- why accurate data are so important
- how to consistently pay attention to details
- how to proofread and edit technical documents
- how to provide excellent customer service
- how to be part of a team and work independently
- when to obsess about the small stuff and when to focus on the big picture
- BONUS: experience or interest in data visualization
Additional Info & Requirements
Under the mission of CDE, the Research Assistant is responsible for presenting research findings to the library community in multiple formats (written reports, infographics, presentations, etc.), creating, reviewing, and editing Library Research Service (LRS) content (online, print, etc.), working with LRS staff on evaluations of Colorado State Library projects and services, and contributing to planning, logistics, curriculum development, and instruction for LRS training and continuing education events. Duties include:
- In collaboration with other LRS staff, design and produce infographics and other innovative visual presentations of data, create LRS website content including writing blog posts, write reports summarizing and interpreting data for a variety of audiences, both expert and non-expert; proofread and edit research findings, survey results, and other content; and assist with all LRS communication efforts including dissemination of electronic and print publications and social media.
- Design curriculum about basic data and evaluation concepts and provide instruction at continuing education events. Continuing education events are offered virtually as well as in-person; some travel will be involved.
- Enter and verify research project data using the spreadsheet, databases, and online tools. With guidance from and in collaboration with LRS staff, analyze data, produce charts/graphs/tables, and write the explanatory narrative for statistical reports. Verify data and calculations in LRS's online data tools.
- Contribute to planning, logistics, and organizational efforts in support of LRS training and continuing education events; aid in the administration of the annual survey of public libraries and other surveys/studies as needed; provide customer service to internal and external clients including training and technical assistance in the use of the unit's varied surveys, services, and tools; manage website content including adding new pages, uploading media, and modifying existing pages; coordinate with administrative assistant in the production of print materials as needed.
Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and (1) one year experience working in a library or conducting research. This experience must be clearly demonstrated in your application to be considered for employment.
Substitutions:
Additional (4) four years' experience in a library or conducting research will substitute for a bachelor's degree on a year-for-year basis.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Working knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and/or Photoshop and online survey tools such as SurveyMonkey or SurveyGizmo.
- Experience using a content management system such as Wordpress or Drupal.
- Experience with document production and publication, including graphic design.
- Experience working with data and statistics in a library, non-profit, education, research, or office setting. Knowledge of SPSS is helpful.
- Proven project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities at the same time.
- Interest in social media and its appropriate professional applications.
- Undergraduate- or graduate-level coursework in Library and Information Science.
Required Skills and Competencies:
- Ability to work in a team environment
- Ability to work across teams
- Strong attention to detail
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Effective verbal and written communication skills
- Intermediate to advanced proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Application Checklist:
Only complete applications submitted by the closing date to the link listed below will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected.
Applicants MUST submit a resume, cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked "See Resume" will not be accepted.
Complete Applications must include the following documents:
- A complete online application.
- A cover letter with a written narrative. The written narrative should describe your interest in this position and specifically how your education, abilities, skills, and experience relate to the requirements, responsibilities and competencies listed in the job announcement.
- A resume (attach to your online application).
The Community
At the Library Research Service - a unit of the Colorado State Library - we conduct research for and about libraries, provide statistics and analyses to library stakeholders, and work with our colleagues in the Colorado library community and beyond to use data more effectively and persuasively. Signature projects and services include the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL), Library Jobline, and DART.
HR Info
Janet Martin, Human Resources Business Partner, martin_j@cde.state.co.us