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User-Centered Design of a Recommender System for a ‘Universal’ Library Catalogue We are seeking a PhD student to investigate the development of recommender systems for the retrieval of journals, books, digital media, video, etc. in a cloud-based multi-institution, international catalogue. You should have a background in library and information science, information retrieval, computer science or a related discipline. The post is available from 1st October 2010 and offers an outstanding opportunity for a dedicated and motivated individual to investigate recommender systems for library catalogues. The post is funded (fees and maintenance) for three years by an AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award, involving a partnership between the University of Sheffield and OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (http://www.oclc.org/), a world-leading organisation in the field of digital libraries. Supervisors will include Dr Lynn Silipigni Connaway from OCLC Research (Dublin, Ohio). In order to develop a suitable recommender system you will follow a 'user-centered' approach: first establishing user needs and the criteria which influence and shape users' satisfaction with recommendations. Then analysing resources held by OCLC, including bibliographic records, transaction logs and library holdings data, you will design, build and evaluate an interactive recommender prototype for the WorldCat ‘universal’ library catalogue, the worlds' largest and most comprehensive bibliographic database. There are many opportunities to conduct original research in this project: the resources provided by the industrial collaborator are unique, you will have the opportunity to work with a world-leading digital library company, develop a relationship with LIS professionals in the US and UK and gain access to end users of a global 'universal' catalogue service only possible through collaboration with OCLC. Results from this project are likely to benefit academics, practitioners and library users alike. Please contact Dr Paul Clough ([log in to unmask]) for further information or visit: http://ir.shef.ac.uk/cloughie/resources/ahrc-cda2010.html Entry requirements: An upper second class honours, or an MSc/MA, in computer science, library and information science, or a related discipline. Required skills: Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative research methods and software for data analysis, ability to work independently, excellent written and oral communications skills, knowledge of formal research process, including writing and presenting results/findings, ability to implement prototype recommender systems and familiarity with databases and database software. Funding Notes The studentship is funded by the AHRC and OCLC and provides an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a world-leading digital library company, including a three month period at OCLC Research in Dublin (Ohio) to meet and collaborate with leading-edge researchers and software developers in the field. This award covers full fees and maintenance at the standard rate (£13,650 in 2010-11, rising incrementally thereafter). Only UK and EU residents are eligible. This is an AHRC Collaborative Doctoral Award with a duration of three years. Eligibility rules apply: http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/FundingOpportunities/Documents/Guide%20to%20Student%20Eligibility.pdf Barbara Anne Sen Lecturer The University of Sheffield Department of Information Studies Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street Sheffield S1 4DP Tel: 01142 222635 Email: [log in to unmask]