Research Assistantship for Evans School or Information School students ONLY

Research Assistant - IMLS Public Access in Libraries Study
University of Washington, Information School

***Must be a currently enrolled graduate student in the Information School or Evans School of Public Affairs***

Location
The Information School, UW

Start Date: 10/12/09, or ASAP
End Date: 12/15/09

This appointment is initially for autumn quarter with the possibility to extend into winter and spring pending funding. The RA will work an average of 20 hours per week.

Position Description
The Information School has an outstanding opportunity for a Research Assistant to contribute to a study examining public access computing in libraries across the United States.

Libraries offer an established institution and infrastructure for providing public access to information along with training and other peripheral services important for those who are not regularly exposed to technology in their daily lives. However, there is little systematic information available on the impact of library efforts in this area, particularly related to the use of these technologies for public access to critical information that can make a difference in the lives of the users. This research program seeks to establish indicators that will provide a long-term method for measuring impact of these services on the populations using them, particularly the underserved communities that have no other access to digital information resources. An important part of the study will be the dissemination of findings to public policy agencies and organizations that should be aware of the impact libraries are having on the social and economic well-being of our communities through
their public access computing services.

The Research Assistant will work with a team of faculty and research staff to execute the research plan. The successful student will gain valuable experience in both large-scale research implementation and qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

Duties include:
• Secondary research of existing data, literature, reports and other studies relevant to this project
• Analysis of qualitative and quantitative data and synthesis for publications
• Assist in writing papers for academic and professional conferences and journals
• Assist in other aspects of research implementation, including communicating with stakeholders, maintaining the research website, and preparing reports

Requirements
• Must be a currently enrolled graduate student in the Information School or Evans School of Public Affairs
• Significant research experience including field research, data analysis, and statistical analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to work efficiently and independently in a rapidly changing work environment
• Computer-proficient and comfortable using software applications such as Windows SharePoint Services, Microsoft Office and Outlook, and Internet Explorer
• Demonstrated experience using research software such as SPSS, SAS, and Atlas.ti.

Desired qualification
• Experience with GIS
Qualified students with an interest in the impact of public access computing in libraries and public policy related to libraries, and who are enrolled in the Information School or the Evans School are encouraged to apply.

This position is eligible for a tuition waiver and benefits (percentage of tuition waived will be dependent upon program student is enrolled in). Questions regarding salary and benefits should be directed to Crystal Yost, Assistant HR Manager crystaly@uw.edu or 206-543-4738. Students must be enrolled for a minimum of 10 credits to be eligible.

To apply
1. Please include a cover letter briefly describing your skills and experiences relevant to this type of position in one page or less.
2. Attach a current resume that includes your work history and academic accomplishments
3. Attach a copy of your most recent complete transcript for the masters or PhD program you are currently pursuing (does not have to be official; pdf format will be accepted)
4. Attach a sample of your research related writing or contributions to any past studies that you have worked on.

Please return all application materials to Ulibee Corner at iApply@uw.edu (please include "RA IMLS" in the subject line) or to Mary Gates Hall, Suite 370, no later than October 9, 2009.