Digital Programs & Initiatives Graduate Assistant

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Works with the Director of Digital Programs and Initiatives to identify and test functional improvements to digital platforms supported by the department.
• Collaborates with DPI personnel to support user and community research activities necessary to initiatives supported by the department. Methods may include survey design and analysis, observational studies, analytics review, persona development, and interviews.
• Provides training and instruction to Libraries’ personnel across departments in the use of digital library platforms, including the Libraries’ digital repository applications.
• Reviews, triages, and participates in accessibility remediation activities related to the Libraries’ unique digital content, including digital collections or audiovisual content. Evaluates new tools and workflows, including the potential use of AI tools, to support and scale such work. 
• Assists Digital Programs and Initiatives team members in research, experimentation, and testing to support UMD Libraries’ digital library systems.
• Helps to create, gather, and manage all Digital Programs and Initiatives policies, procedures, and workflow documentation.
• Gathers input from collection area librarians and curators regarding digital project needs, and actively works with colleagues within Digital Services and Technologies to translate needs into requirements.
• Troubleshoots errors in digital collections and other departmental systems.
• Update internal and external web and wiki pages pertaining to the department.
• Performs other duties supporting Digital Programs and Initiatives, as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  Normal office duties

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

QUALIFICATIONS (Knowledge, skills, and abilities):

EDUCATION:

Required:  Must be a student enrolled in a degree-seeking graduate program in the College of Information at the University of Maryland.

EXPERIENCE (Be specific, indicate the minimum years of experience and skills needed):

Required

• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated ability to develop or deliver documentation, training materials, workshops, or other instructional materials
• Experience with management, customization, or administration of web-based applications or content management systems
• Knowledge of common user experience research methods and standards, including web content accessibility guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to learn new software applications

Preferred

• Experience working with special collections/primary source materials
• Experience with HTML or CSS
• Knowledge of prototyping and mockup applications such as Figma or Balsamiq
• Knowledge of at least one scripting or programming language (such as Python) or application programming interfaces (APIs)
• Experience with collaborative project management

Stipend is commensurate with degree program and FY stipend memo.

This is a 12 month appointment.