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****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.