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Hiring: OCLC Associate Researcher position - Building a National Finding Aid Network project

  • 1.  Hiring: OCLC Associate Researcher position - Building a National Finding Aid Network project

    Posted Nov 12, 2021 05:10 PM

    OCLC seeks an Associate Researcher to conduct qualitative data analysis and contribute to developing summary report of the findings in support of the Building a National Finding Aid Network project. This is a part-time, contract position, funded externally, working 20-25 hours a week at the hourly rate of $60 beginning Nov 2021 and running through Aug 2022. Work hours generally will fall between 9am-6pm Mountain Time, but we are willing to work flexibly with candidates' other commitments.

    Supported by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, in partnership with the California Digital Library (CDL), OCLC Research, and the University of Virginia Library is conducting a 2-year research and demonstration project to establish the foundations for a national-level archival finding aid network. OCLC primarily is responsible for conducting and coordinating user and participant research activities, with CDL supporting participation by statewide/regional aggregators and other participants. More information about OCLC work on the project, including details about the research method, key activities, and outputs to date are available here.

    Key activities include:

    • Lead work to implement the research methodology and synthesize and document findings, for sharing with the broader library, archive, and museum community. This will include coding and analysis of semi-structured interviews, review of earlier research data and analysis on the project, literature reviews, evaluation of reports from related research initiatives, and documenting the findings. Per IMLS, research information collection is subject to 45 C.F.R. (Protection of Human Subjects).
    • Identify and provide input to the project team on requirements for prototype technical systems, informed by research and findings.
    • Share findings at key conference presentations. Coordinate with core partners to disseminate findings, through announcements to the broader library, archive, and museum communities via activities such as reports and/or peer-reviewed articles, conference presentations, and mailing list announcements.

    In close coordination with the OCLC project team, including Dr. Connaway, the Associate Researcher will conduct the qualitative data analysis necessary to develop summary reports of the findings. Specific responsibilities include:

    • Completion of PHRP course to be certified for human subject research
    • Coding and analysis of transcripts from approximately 25 semi-structured individual interviews with users of archival aggregation websites
    • Review and synthesis of data collected from 10 focus group interviews with archival practitioners, 3000 online survey responses from archival aggregations users, an analysis of EAD from 145K finding aids, and other data collection
    • Data analysis and review with project team and advisors
    • Oral and written summary of results for a non-technical audience of library personnel, community leaders, and cross-sector partners, including final reporting on the project research.

    The project team is geographically distributed across the US. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all working remotely. The person filling this role will not need to be located in the Dublin, OH headquarters. OCLC will provide a laptop and software needed to work remotely. 

    For more information about the position and how to apply for the position, go to https://oclc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/OCLC_Careers/job/Associate-Researcher_R0002056.



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    Chela Weber
    Sr Program Officer
    OCLC Research
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