Campus internEXP - Usability & Accessibility Intern
**If you are interested in applying for this position, you will need to view the information session for the Campus internEXP program to qualify. Please register for that information session here. Once you have viewed the session and responded to the survey, you will gain access to apply within 2 business days.**
Position Summary:
The Teaching & Learning Engagement (T&LE) unit within the University Libraries develops educational resources and learning opportunities that help students become confident researchers, creators, and scholars. An important element of creating educational resources is their usability (how easy they are to use) and accessibility (whether or not those with disabilities can use them). This position will work collaboratively within T&LE to improve learning materials created or supported by the Libraries in two primary ways: planning, conducting, and processing usability tests and performing accessibility audits. According to interest and ability, this position may also have the opportunity to contribute to graphic design and multimedia production projects related to the University Libraries’ Digital Literacy, Learning Design, and Community Engagement initiatives.
Position Overview:
- This paid internship ($13/hour) runs the 2023-2024 academic year, beginning August 2023.
- The intern will meet regularly with their supervisor, the Head of Learning Design Initiatives, as well as others within T&LE.
- Work approximately 10 hours a week, primarily during normal business hours (8 am - 5 pm), Monday- Friday. The schedule will be set around the intern’s other commitments, but the intern’s schedule should include at least one uninterrupted 3-hour or longer block of work time every week.
- The position is on-site, with some limited potential for occasional remote work.
- Training in usability and accessibility will be provided.
- You’ll have access to a dedicated workspace in Newman Library with all needed technology provided.
- Dress is casual.
Job Description:
Usability:
- Plans approximately 3 usability tests a semester, based on needs within T&LE and the Libraries
- Writes usability testing scripts based on usability testing needs and goals
- Processes usability testing data, including reviewing testing recordings and/or notes and extracting key information
- Writes and shares usability testing reports summarizing findings from testing data
Accessibility:
- Performs accessibility audits of existing learning objects and learning materials to ensure compliance with accessibility best practices
- Provides guidance to content producers to ensure that learning materials meet accessibility requirements
Content creation (according to interest and ability):
- Designs and develops custom graphics for use in library instructional videos, tutorials, infographics, worksheets, and other learning objects for the web and face-to-face instruction
- Creates physical and digital educational resources using appropriate graphics and following branding guidelines
Events and outreach (according to interest and ability):
- Assists with community engagement activities as schedule allows to better understand the users of our content
- Provides quality services in a professional manner with demonstrated commitment to team efforts, service excellence, and diversity and inclusion
Required Qualifications:
- Interest in usability and accessibility
- A willingness to increase knowledge of usability and accessibility through self-directed learning and professional development opportunities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Major in a relevant discipline, such as, but not limited to, computer science, education, psychology, professional and technical writing, communication, or creative technologies.
- Junior or senior level
Necessary skills include:
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- The ability to represent complex information in clear, simple, and engaging ways, including in writing
- The ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- Attention to detail
Who you’ll be working with:
As the Usability & Accessibility intern, you’ll join a team of librarians and other student workers/interns who are passionate about helping students succeed. The intern will have the opportunity to work not only with their supervisor, but also with full-time faculty/staff and student workers within T&LE and the University Libraries.
The intern will report to the Head of Learning Design Initiatives, who has over 15 years of experience in higher education as both an English instructor and a librarian. She loves creating multimedia resources that help demystify research and scholarship for students and believes that everyone can become a more effective researcher and learner. Mentors and supervisors that she had throughout her educational journey helped her get to where she is today, and she’s eager to provide an internship experience that helps the intern make progress towards their goals. Outside of work, she can often be found cooking, reading, and enjoying the mountains.
Perks of the internship:
The intern will have ample opportunities both to improve library-created resources for all users now and to develop skills that will make them stand out on the job market in the future. You’ll both increase your knowledge of usability and accessibility and apply what you learn in practical ways. Each week will bring new opportunities both for learning and for applying what you’ve learned. You’ll work both independently and collaboratively, benefitting from the guidance of your supervisor without being micromanaged.