JOB DESCRIPTION

The University of Oklahoma (OU) School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) invites applications for Director of the School. SLIS seeks a visionary leader that can continue the transformation that the School has been undergoing for the past several years. This has included the expansion of the curriculum and the launching of several new degree programs including a new Bachelor of Science, a Ph.D. program, and three graduate certificates (in addition to the long-standing MLIS and Bachelor of Arts programs). In support of university, college, and SLIS strategic goals and priorities, top candidates will have strong and productive research records including externally funded research and will understand the importance of research and scholarship to a Carnegie R1 university. The ideal candidate will have an extensive history and commitment to the Library and Information Science field. The School of Library and Information Studies is located within the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. 

The Director will be appointed at the Associate Professor or Professor rank, depending upon qualifications. The start date will be summer 2023.

JOB DUTIES

This is a twelve-month administrative position that will include a 1/1 teaching load. The director will contribute to teaching, advising, and mentoring at the doctoral and master’s levels, and may teach at the undergraduate level depending on qualifications and interest. The director will steward the teaching mission of the school through skillful management of the curriculum, dedication to intensive academic program assessment, and support of faculty teaching needs. They will also foster a research atmosphere supportive of faculty research success and promote research by graduate and undergraduate students through the strengthening of a departmental research culture.

The successful candidate will be an established, senior faculty member with a deep background in collaborative, interdisciplinary work. Through strong leadership they will facilitate faculty collaboration within the School, within the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences, with other units on campus, and with colleagues at other institutions. It is particularly important that candidates are willing to invest in the ongoing, intensive accreditation requirements of the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) program. Competitive candidates for this position will have administrative or managerial experience.

SLIS has two locations: Norman and Tulsa. SLIS promotes integration of these locations through faculty interactions and emphasizes the growth in both locations. The successful candidate will have excellent leadership skills to engage in communications with the faculty and the administrations in both campuses.

Required Qualifications

• Applicants must have an earned doctoral in library and information studies or a closely related discipline.
• An earned tenured rank of associate professor or full professor at an accredited higher education institution.
• A record of scholarly productivity in library and information science or closely related fields.
• A record of teaching and advising at the undergraduate and/or graduate levels.
• Experience in the application of academic program assessment principles and practices.
•  A record of successful administrative experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• A record of successful external research funding.

Applications should be submitted online via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/116242.

Please include:

• Cover letter
• Names and contact information of three references
• CV

Position will remain open until filled.

Inquiries should be directed to the search committee chair: Dr. Susan Burke

Email: [email protected]