****apologies for cross-posting****

 

**Reminder: available immediately, with latest start date of April 1st**

 

University PhD Studentship: The application of classical architectural
criteria to digital library design to enhance the user experience

 

The University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information
Sciences is offering a fully funded (Home Fees and Maintenance) PhD
studentship to investigate the transferability of classical architectural
criteria to the digital domain. 

 

In an era of unprecedented technological innovation and evolving user
expectations and information seeking behaviour we are arguably now an online
society, with digital content and services increasingly preferred; and
universal access to digital libraries considered essential to social and
economic mobility.  Digital libraries are typically distributed and
multidimensional, the information seeking experience interactive.  While
significant advances have been made in information retrieval, interface
design has arguably progressed much more slowly, particularly when compared
to the more immersive experiences of virtual worlds and gaming.  Emergent
multimodal and 3D technologies have the potential to further this
experiential divide, with implications for next generation use of digital
libraries. 

 

Approached as a complex architectural design problem, the student will:
investigate the applicability of classical architectural criteria such as
structural robustness (firmitas), appropriate allocation of space
(utilitas), and aesthetic appeal (venustas) to digital library design;
critically examine the enabling role of new technologies; and identify
suitable architectural methods to manage complexity (e.g. partitioning).
The student will adopt a multi-method approach engaging with practitioners
across respective disciplines, conducting field studies of new technology in
use, and undertaking participant observation.  There will be opportunity in
the first year of study for the student to attend relevant foundation
classes in design in both the Department of Architecture and the Department
of Computer and Information Sciences.  There will also be opportunity for
the student to influence aspects of this study, for example, focusing on a
digital library within a virtual learning environment.

 

Output will advance our understanding of architectural design in the digital
domain; and identify tools and techniques appropriate for the architectural
analysis and design of complex multidimensional information systems in the
use context.

 

Award Details

 

The studentship is available for immediate start with a latest start date of
April 1st 2012.  For UK or EU students the award covers fees plus a student
stipend for 3 years (stipend level of c. £13,569 in 2011/12).  Non-EU will
be required to obtain separate funds to pay international fees.

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

Eligible candidates will have a first class degree or equivalent (e.g. MSc
with Distinction) in information or computer science or closely related
discipline (such as information architecture or library studies).  However,
consideration will also be given to applicants from an architectural or
engineering background with demonstrated interests.  Familiarity with both
quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential, as is a strong
command of the English language.  Further desirable skills include: ability
to work independently, excellent written and oral communications skills, and
knowledge of the formal research process, including publishing and
presentation of findings.

 

How to apply

 

To apply, you should send:

 

·         A covering letter

·         A current CV

·         A transcript of your qualifications to date, and anticipated
results if any are still pending.

·         Two letters of reference (a minimum of one academic).

 

Candidates may be called to interview.  

 

Applications to: Dr Steven Buchanan (
<mailto:[log in to unmask]> [log in to unmask]).


 

The Department

 

The University of Strathclyde Department of Computer and Information
Sciences is a multidisciplinary research led department, engaged in world
class research rated at 3* or above.  The department is a member of the
Scottish Informatics and Computer Science Alliance (SICSA), and supports a
community of approximately 50 PhD students and postdoctoral research
fellows.  The student would join the Departments’ i-Lab research group (
<http://www.ilab.cis.strath.ac.uk/> http://www.ilab.cis.strath.ac.uk/), and
will be able to draw on group research strengths in information seeking (how
people search for information), information architecture (how to construct
technical infrastructures), information provision (how to make information
accessible to society), and multimodal interaction (how to design
interactive interfaces).  Professor Sergio Porta from the University of
Strathclyde Department of Architecture will second supervise this project.