Subject: Spring practicum with Duke Libraries' Assessment & User Experience dept
Duke Libraries Assessment & User Experience Strategy (AUXS) Department is now accepting applications for our Spring 2025 practicum positions. See the full position description here: https://library.duke.edu/about/jobs/auxfieldexperience. There may be an option for a virtual practicum. Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to Joyce Chapman, Assessment Analyst & Consultant, at joyce.chapman@duke.edu by November 1.
The Assessment & User Experience Strategy (AUXS) Department coordinates and conducts studies of library users’ needs and priorities in order to identify ways to meet and exceed users’ expectations of Duke Libraries' physical and virtual spaces, services and collections. AUXS staff collaborate closely with colleagues throughout the Libraries to improve spaces and services, and they provide leadership for evaluating and improving the design, content, and organization of the Libraries’ online presence. Finally, AUXS staff coordinate library assessment tasks and projects and manage external reporting for the Libraries.
This practicum experience offers students a chance to experience the range of AUXS department activities. While these activities may be of particular interest to students pursuing a career in assessment or user experience, these skills also benefit people looking for other kinds of careers in libraries, from public services positions to technology positions.
The practicum experience accommodates a wide range of abilities, skills and interests. Specific projects will be determined by the student’s area of expertise and interest, in conjunction with the goals of the department and the needs of the library. Weekly check-ins with the practicum supervisor are required to ensure progress and provide immediate feedback. We especially encourage students from underrepresented or marginalized groups to submit resumes and statements of interest.
Tasks
Practicum students will work closely with AUXS staff and library stakeholders to do the following:
- Conduct user studies (e.g., usability studies, surveys, focus groups) to learn more about our patrons and their experiences of our online interfaces, physical spaces, and services
- Conduct environmental scans and write reports on successful strategies in place at peer institutions
- Propose and complete improvement projects in response to patron feedback
- Other duties, as assigned -- the possibilities for learning more about and enhancing our users' experiences are endless!
Requirements
Current enrollment in an MSIS or MSLS program accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent program. One semester of course work or prior experience in libraries or related fields is strongly preferred. (Note: this is an unpaid practicum. AUXS works with students to satisfy the requirements of their degree program so that students will receive credit toward their degree.)
Successful AUX practicum students take the initiative on projects or tasks; enjoy learning new concepts or UX research methods; excel when working independently and as part of a team; and have a keen interest in assessment, user research, service design, data analysis and visualization, UX principles, or other related topics. Direct experience or related coursework is appreciated but not required.
Timeframe
We welcome practicum students for fall or spring term. AUXS is no longer offering a summer practicum opportunity. (See below for application dates for each term.)
Hours
Weekly hours will depend on the specific requirements of the student's degree program. Most students are required to complete between 120 and 135 hours per semester, which works out to about 8-10 hours per week. Practicum students should be available to work the majority of these hours between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday, to ensure they are available for meetings with staff.
Location
AUXS supports virtual practicum experiences, if students are not able to regularly travel to Duke's campus. On-site practicum work takes place at Perkins Library (411 Chapel Drive, Durham, NC 27708). Virtual practicum students are expected to be available online during their regular working hours.
Application Process
Please send a resume and brief statement of interest to Joyce Chapman, Assessment Analyst & Consultant, by:
- June 1 if you are interested in a fall semester practicum
- November 1 if you are interested in a spring semester practicum
Students who send their resumes and brief statements of interest by these deadlines will be given priority as AUXS staff review applications.
Email: joyce.chapman@duke.edu
Phone: 919-660-5889
