Job Description: Information Architect
Position: Information Architect
Department: Library and Information Science
Reports to: Manager, Information Management
Job Summary:
The Information Architect is responsible for designing and organizing information architecture systems within the Library and Information Science department. This role focuses on optimizing the accessibility, usability, and searchability of information resources to meet user needs and enhance the overall user experience.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Develop and implement information architecture strategies, standards, and best practices to support effective knowledge management and information organization.
2. Design and maintain intuitive and user-friendly taxonomies, metadata schemas, and classification schemes for information resources.
3. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to analyze and understand user requirements and information needs.
4. Conduct user research to identify user preferences, behaviors, and information-seeking patterns to inform information architecture decisions.
5. Create and manage controlled vocabularies, ontologies, and thesauri to improve information retrieval and search capabilities.
6. Design and implement efficient search interfaces, navigation systems, and metadata structures to facilitate seamless access to information resources.
7. Collaborate with IT teams to customize and optimize integrated library systems and other information management tools.
8. Monitor and evaluate information architecture performance, identifying areas for improvement and implementing enhancements as required.
9. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in information architecture and knowledge management.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
1. Bachelor's degree in Library and Information Science, Information Management, or a related field. Master's degree preferred.
2. Proven experience in designing and implementing information architecture systems in a library or similar information management environment.
3. Strong understanding of information organization principles, including taxonomies, metadata, and classification schemes.
4. Proficiency in using information management tools, such as integrated library systems (ILS), content management systems (CMS), and digital asset management systems (DAMS).
5. Knowledge of user experience (UX) principles and best practices, with the ability to translate user needs into effective information architecture solutions.
6. Familiarity with information retrieval and search technologies, including search engine optimization (SEO) techniques.
7. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think critically and creatively.
8. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex concepts to diverse audiences.
9. Detail-oriented mindset with a keen eye for accuracy and quality.
Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position and does not encompass every task or responsibility that may be assigned. The role may evolve over time, and additional duties may be added based on organizational needs.