[Asis-l] New Position in Information Architecture and Usability at Kent State University

[Thomas J. Froehlich]

Kent State University
Assistant Professor Position
Information Architecture and Knowledge Management

In recognition of the significant growth and development of the 
Master's Program in Information Architecture and Knowledge Management 
(IAKM) (http://iakm.kent.edu), Kent State University has allocated a 
new tenure-track faculty position at the level of Assistant 
Professor.  The position is available Fall 2006 or January 2007.

The Master's Program in Information Architecture and Knowledge 
Management is a unique, innovative, interdisciplinary program 
inaugurated in Fall 2001.  It has three concentrations: Information 
Architecture, Information Use and Knowledge Management. It features a 
progressive curriculum that has been extensively revised for the Fall 
2006 (see http://iakm.kent.edu/downloads/curriculumoverview.pdf). The 
program is a collaborative effort of the Department of Computer 
Science, the Graduate School of Management, the School of 
Communication Studies, the School of Journalism and Mass 
Communication, the School of Visual Communication Design, and the 
School of Library and Information Science.  The School of Library and 
Information Science administers the IAKM program.

Facilities include a state-of-the-art usability lab 
(http://usability.slis.kent.edu/), fully-digital classrooms with the 
most current hardware and software, state-of-the-art distance 
education tools, whether through interactive television or web-based 
synchronous or asynchronous learning objects, and instructional 
designer support.

The successful candidate is expected to teach at least three of the 
required courses in the concentrations of Information Architecture or 
Information Use.  These courses include Information Architecture, 
Research Methods for Information Architecture, Information and Visual 
Design, Usability I, Usability II, and User and Task 
Analysis.  Preference will be given to those with educational 
training and teaching, work (or consulting) and research experience 
in these or related areas.

Teaching competencies, teaching experience, work experience or 
research experience or interest are also sought in several of the 
following areas:

           Information Architecture

           Usability Testing or Engineering

           User Prototyping:  Personas, etc.

           Information Seeking Behavior and the Web

           Human Information Processing

           Interaction Design

           Project Management for Information Architecture or for 
Usability Testing

           Document Engineering/Management

           Content Management Systems

Qualifications include a Masters degree in Information Science, 
Computer Science or a related field and a completed doctorate or 
substantial progress toward completion of a doctorate in Information 
Science, Computer Science or a related field.  Experience and/or 
interest in synchronous or asynchronous digital distance learning is 
desirable.  Nine-month appointment; summer teaching and workshops may 
be available.  Salary is competitive; benefits are excellent.  The 
position is available for the Fall 2006 (though dependent on the 
needs of the successful candidate, Spring 2007).  Applications will 
be accepted until the position is filled.

To better work with the growing demands of the information economy, 
Kent State University launched a unique, new college, the College of 
Communication and Information in July, 2002.  It is composed of the 
School of Communication Studies, the School of Journalism and Mass 
Communication, the School of Library and Information Science 
(including IAKM), and the School of Visual Communication Design. Ohio 
is a recognized leader in information networks and has undertaken 
major funding commitments to use information technologies to promote 
economic development.

Applicants should submit a letter of application, resume, copies of 
transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (official 
transcripts will be required in the event of employment), and names 
of at least three references to:

         Prof. Thomas J. Froehlich, Ph.D.
         Chair, Search Committee
         Information Architecture and Knowledge Management
         Kent State University
         P.O. Box 5190
         Kent, Ohio 44242-0001
         email: tfroehli at kent.edu
         Phone: (330) 672-2782
         Fax: (330) 672-7965
         http://iakm.kent.edu

Kent State University supports equal opportunity, affirmative action 
and diversity in education and employment.  Applications from 
minority group members and women are encouraged.