GSLIS Information Architecture Project - HOW TO APPLY

How to Apply

Please send the following information to gslisweb@simmons.edu (with subject “IA Project Application”) no later than Friday, September 14, 2007. We will begin reviewing applications immediately and may make decisions prior to the deadline, so please take action soon. Please be sure to include all of the following:

1. Name
2. Simmons email address
3. Fall course schedule (course number, name, faculty and meeting times)
4. Other scheduled commitments in the fall (jobs, conferences, weddings/vacations, etc.)
5. Estimated hours per week you would be available; please indicate if you would like to participate as part of an independent study supervised by Dean Plum.
6. Please rate your proficiency/comfort level (novice, intermediate, advanced, expert) with the following:
      * HTML/Internet technologies
      * Word
      * Excel
      * Collaborative project management software (e.g., Basecamp: http://www.basecamphq.com/)
      * Learning new software
7. Please attach your CV/Resume (DOC, PDF, or RTF only please)
8. Please tell us why you are interested and why you would be a strong team member. What can you contribute? 250-750 words (approx 1+ page)

Members of the team will meet with the selected applicants to learn more about their background, skills, interests and schedule, and to describe the project in more depth. All applicants will be notified at the conclusion of the search.

If you have questions, please e-mail the team: gslisweb@simmons.edu

Thanks!
GSLIS Website IA Project Team

Call for Student Team Members

SUBJECT: Join the GSLIS Information Architecture Design Project

Hello all,

Welcome back (or welcome to) GSLIS!

Have you ever looked for some information on the GSLIS websites (www.simmons.edu/gslis/ and http://my.simmons.edu/gslis) and wished you could re-arrange the content? Here’s your chance!

In early August, a GSLIS team was asked to redesign the information architecture (the behind-the-scenes structure) of those two sites. The ultimate goal is to make them more user-friendly. We are looking for current GSLIS students to help us make it happen this semester. You can participate as a volunteer or as part of an independent study supervised by Assistant Dean for Technology Terry Plum. Intrigued? Read on!

The project

Why (Problem/Need): The online presence of GSLIS is not effective for many users.

What (Solution): Create an information architecture (IA) for organizing GSLIS information online.

How (Steps):

1. Content Inventory
2. User Personas
3. Card Sorting Study
4. IA Development
5. Paper Prototyping Testing
6. Revise IA
7. Retest
8. Prepare and submit design to Simmons College web office
9. Revise IA based on web office feedback
10. Submit final design to web office and recommend IA for alternate GSLIS sites

Who: IA Team of GSLIS students in cooperation with the GSLIS Publications Team (Jen Doyle, Elisabeth Zimmer, Alisa Libby and Alison Cody), Caryn Anderson, and Linnea Johnson.

When: Fall 2007 term; Draft design submitted by Thanksgiving (Step 8), final design submitted before term ends (Step 10)

Where: Some activities may benefit from face to face meetings, but most work can be handled virtually. GSLIS West students are encouraged to participate.

* Application deadline: Friday, September 14, 2007 (note below)
* Review of applications will begin immediately and some decisions may be made prior to the deadline
* Submit required materials (see the IA Project site) to: gslisweb@simmons.edu with subject “IA Project Application.”

If you would like to participate as an Independent Study, please contact us immediately so that you can avoid financial penalties if you need to drop a class. According to Student Accounts, courses dropped on or before September 14 will have 100% of the tuition canceled/refunded .

Participants will be an integral part of the team
Student participants will work closely with current members of the team on all aspects of the project: conducting interviews, developing user personas, preparing for paper prototyping, and creating the IA. We do not expect you to have prior experience. We do expect you to be willing to learn by reading up on these techniques and asking questions. We are looking for smart, flexible, reliable people who play well with others.

A great resume-builder!
Please note: Though this is an unpaid position, please don’t forget how great it will look on your resume or transcript as you look for jobs! For participants who do great work, team leaders will be glad to provide letters of recommendation for your file at the Simmons Career Education Center.

Who’s eligible?
- You must be a registered GSLIS student who has successfully completed at least 2 GSLIS courses and the TOR.
- You must be willing to commit at least 5 hours a week for the Fall 2007 semester.

How to apply

If you have questions, please e-mail the team: gslisweb@simmons.edu

Thanks!
GSLIS Website IA Project Team

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