Director, University of Alabama School of Library & Information Studies, Tuscaloosa, AL

Posted August 18, 2016

The University of Alabama invites nominations and applications for the position of Director of the School of Library and Information Studies. SLIS’s mission is to advance the theory, art, and practice of professions specializing in the use and creation of information in traditional and emergent forms. SLIS is committed to educating socially responsible information professionals prepared to empower diverse populations in a multitude of contexts, communities, and cultures.

The Director will provide vision and leadership in support of excellence in the School’s teaching, research, and service missions. They will effectively represent SLIS within the College of Communication and Information Sciences and communicate with the School’s internal and external constituents. The Director will actively foster an environment of collegiality, collaboration, and faculty governance.

The Director is responsible for academic and administrative vision and leadership; fiscal and personnel management; oversight of curricular planning, implementation, and evaluation; and advancement of the School’s research mission. The Director plays an active role in working with the faculty to shape the academic future of the School. The Director works closely within the College, represents the School to the broader academic and professional community, plays a central role in maintaining active and positive relationships with alumni, and works closely with the Dean and the College’s Director of Development to guide the School’s fundraising and development activities. As a faculty member, the Director is responsible for teaching, research, and service to the profession as well as to the School, College, and University.

Essential qualifications include evidence of:

Creative, thoughtful, and inclusive leadership abilities
A research and teaching record appropriate to appointment at the rank of professor
Ability to recruit, support, and mentor faculty and staff
Commitment to academic excellence
Ability to effectively advocate for and represent the School within the College and University, to prospective and current students, to alumni, and to external organizations, agencies, and other constituents
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
An earned doctorate in library and information studies or an allied discipline.

Compensation is competitive and is accompanied by a generous benefits package.

The School of Library and Information Studies is part of the College of Communication and Information Sciences, and offers an ALA-accredited master’s program, an NASAD-accredited MFA degree program in the Book Arts, specializations in school media and archival studies, and doctoral courses that contribute to a multidisciplinary doctorate in communication and information sciences. The MLIS program ranks among the top twenty programs in North America with emerging areas of strength in archival studies, digital media, social justice, and youth services. The College of Communication and Information Sciences affords exciting opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations including a multimillion-dollar Digital Media Center. It houses a college-run commercial television station and Alabama Public Radio as well as the Center for Public Television and Radio.

The University of Alabama (UA) was founded in 1831 as Alabama’s first public college. With an enrollment of more than 37,000 students, UA is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. Tuscaloosa, known as the Druid City, is a beautiful city of tree-lined streets and friendly people. The city is best known as home of Alabama’s Crimson Tide football team, and has a rich history and cultural fabric. Tuscaloosa offers year-round outdoor activities, a vibrant arts community and the cultural benefits of a flagship university.

Application Process: Review of applications will begin October 15, 2016 and will be accepted until February 1, 2017. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience.

Please submit applications electronically online at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Applications shall include a letter of interest, curriculum vita, and contact information for at least three references. Questions about the position should be directed to Professor Steve Miller, Search Committee Chair ([email protected]).

An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, The University of Alabama is strongly committed to diversity, and we value candidates who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our community. The University welcomes all to apply, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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