I should be so happy…so why am I rather uneasy?

I’m not looking for another job…but I’ve been watching to see when Australian Libraries will start incorporating full time Library 2.0 positions. Now it looks like the University of New South Wales Library has restructured, with an eye to possible future library services, and is recruiting for some interesting positions. Finally there is a full time position advertised in Australia for someone to look at emerging technologies and suggest ways that a library can use them…hooray….but….

It’s time to play “what’s wrong here”. Here’s some extracts from the job description for the Information Service Industry Researcher. The first bit sounds really exciting…although the dry and obsfucating management-speak did have me wondering a bit…..

The Service Innovation Unit of the UNSW Library Information Services Department is an innovative response to the changing environment in which the Library operates. Through the integration of market intelligence and data analysis, the Unit investigates emerging trends in technology and specifies Library service innovations and enhancements which demonstrate best practice in support of research and learning & teaching.

JOB PURPOSE
Provide input to the specification of novel and innovative UNSW Library services by sourcing, analysing and evaluating high quality market intelligence and best practice exemplars relevant to the development of world class information services in an academic environment.

DUTIES

• Working in a small team of experts, provide input to the development of detailed proposals for innovative information service provision.
• Consider a range of market intelligence to contribute to the identification of the most appropriate information services (current or potential) to be offered by UNSW Library.
• Communicate nationally and internationally with other libraries, consortia and commercial service providers in order to gather relevant information and benchmarking data.
• Contribute expertise and knowledge to UNSW Library planning processes.
• Proactively provide current and trend data to facilitate planning and resource allocation.
• Take part in the UNSW Workplace Planning and Career Development Scheme.
• Other duties as required appropriate to the level of this position.

…
REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS
This is one of two positions reporting to the Manager, Service Innovation, the other being
1 x Statistical Analyst (HEW 6)

OK..so even if it’s a bit dry..I think they are asking for someone to keep up with new trends, make some suggestions about new technology, do some collaborating and communicating with other librarians and help plan new services. Sounds like they need the type of librarian I’d like to be.

So….if Iwas interested, where would I flash my Librarianship qualifications?…..hold on…let’s read more….

SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential criteria
Degree in market research with relevant experience, or an equivalent level of knowledge gained through any other combination of education training and/or experience.
Proven ability to effectively analyse, evaluate and report on market intelligence, and qualitative data and to relate it to the needs of stakeholders.
Demonstrated ability to understand statistical information and statistical concepts
Excellent communication skills and an ability to communicate with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Demonstrated ability to successfully explain complex concepts to non-experts.
Proven ability to work in a small team of experts to deliver concrete outcomes
Demonstrated ability to seek and evaluate a range of innovative service options
Proven ability to contribute effectively to policy and planning
Capacity and willingness to take part in the UNSW Workplace Planning and Career Development Scheme
Knowledge of OHS responsibilities and commitment to attending relevant OHS training.
Knowledge of EEO/AA principles.

I’m sure you spotted the M word there instead of the L word. Even without this, I’m really disturbed by the tone and wording of the advertisement. It looks like they are trying to justify funding from library administrators, rather than attract applications from switched on, enthusiastic, knowledgable librarians.

I see a request for “experience with market intelligence”, but not a passion for serving clients or the interest and skills in new technologies. Libraries are now seeking to be more user driven, so maybe this is one way of finding out what users want without existing biases from practitioners getting in the way.

Maybe they will ask that the supervisor, the “Manager, Service Innovation”, has the passion and the library experience. I can’t see it coming from the other member of the unit, the “Statistical Analyst”. Maybe they have a super-duper fantastic person already in mind, and they wrote the job descrition to fit that person’s specific skill set.

So…is there anyone out there with a friend of a friend at the University of New South Wales Library (where I will probably now never be able to get a job) who can enlighten me about where this positon fits with the other changes happening in library services …and where it fits into the new social nature of libraries ?