The University of Alabama
School of Library & Information Studies
LIS EBSCO Endowed Chair in Social Justice
https://facultyjobs.ua.edu
The University of Alabama (UA) School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) invites nominations and applications for the EBSCO Endowed Chair, a full-time, tenured position that will begin on August 16, 2018, appointable at the rank of Professor. This position provides a unique opportunity for an outstanding scholar (in LIS or allied field) with an interest in social justice to further a research and teaching agenda that will have significant impact upon LIS education and practice, and advance the mission of UA SLIS, which focuses on social justice, equity, and inclusion. Established in 1989 by Elton B. Stephens, founder of EBSCO Industries, the LIS EBSCO Chair was the first endowed chair in LIS education in North America.
The School of Library and Information Studies is part of the College of Communication and Information Sciences (CCIS), and offers an ALA-accredited Master's program (online and face-to-face), an MFA program in the book arts and doctoral courses that contribute to a multidisciplinary doctorate in Communication and Information Sciences. SLIS has a growing focus on social justice in the curriculum and the EBSCO Endowed Chair will join an internationally recognized faculty with strong commitments to equity, inclusion, access, and diversity as reflected in our research, teaching, and service. CCIS also supports a Diversity Research Forum of faculty throughout the College engaged in diversity-related research and scholarly activities.
Position Summary & Responsibilities:
The holder of the EBSCO Endowed Chair will have the opportunity to shape the LIS area of college-wide doctoral program through scholarship that ignites passion for committed research in social justice. Candidates with broadly ranging social justice research within library and information services, or a related cognate area, are eligible for consideration.
This energetic individual is expected to maintain an active role in SLIS to:
· Mentor and advise master's and doctoral students
· Develop and maintain collaborative relationships across campus, within the larger LIS profession, and in other academic disciplines
· Lead a rigorous social justice research agenda
· Attract doctoral students
· Engage in cutting-edge scholarly, educational, and community initiatives that promote social justice, equity, and inclusion
· Participate in professional organizations at the state, national, and international levels
This highly motivated individual should have achieved widely recognized stature based on scholarly and research contributions that are commensurate with an endowed chair holder. Teaching excellence is essential. Teaching modes at SLIS include synchronous online distance education and face-to-face instruction. All faculty members are expected to work with diverse constituencies, maintain a vigorous research agenda, engage in interdisciplinary scholarship, and obtain external funding.
Position Qualifications
Required
· Earned doctorate in library and information science or related cognate
· Strong research record to support appointment at the tenured rank of Professor
· Documented evidence of an established, robust research agenda related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice
· Ability to articulate a social justice vision for 21st-century learners and information professionals
· Experience working with diverse populations
· Knowledge of culturally responsive pedagogy
· Demonstrated commitment to social activism
As members of a College with an interdisciplinary doctoral program in communication and information sciences, we are interested in applicants with expertise in one or more of the following areas (listed in no particular order):
- Community Engagement
- Digital Humanities
- Digital Literacy, Media Literacy, or Multiple Literacies
- Intercultural Communication
- Information Ethics, Media Ethics, or Data Ethics
- Knowledge Organization/Critical Ontology
- Multicultural Education or Equity-based Education
- Social Media or Digital Media
About The University of Alabama:
Founded in 1831 as Alabama's first public college, The University of Alabama (UA) is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service. With an enrollment of over 38,000 undergraduate and graduate students, UA provides a creative, nurturing campus environment where students can become the best individuals possible, learn from the brightest faculty, and make a positive difference in the community, state, nation, and world. Tuscaloosa is ideally located in the Southeast, convenient to metropolitan cities, mountains, and beaches. The area offers year-round outdoor activities, a vibrant arts community, the cultural benefits of a major university, and services befitting a larger community.
Salary & Benefits:
· Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience
· Health and Life Insurance
· TIAA-CREF and VALIC available
· Teachers’ Retirement System of Alabama
Application Process:
Review of applications will begin November 30th, 2017 and continue until the position is filled. The deadline to apply is January 20th, 2018.
APPLICANTS MUST APPLY ONLINE AT https://facultyjobs.ua.edu and submit the following required materials: letter of application that addresses the applicant’s current and future research agenda and teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, and contact information (names, email addresses, and phone numbers) for at least three references. IMPORTANT: Applicants should use the “Create an Account” option to apply for the job rather than the “Apply with Chronicle Vitae” or Apply with Linkedin” options.
Prior to hiring, the final candidate must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and submit official university transcript(s) of all graduate level coursework.
An Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Employer, The University of Alabama is strongly committed to diversity and values candidates who bring a variety of backgrounds and experiences to our community. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.
Contact Information:
Inquires and nominations should be directed to Dr. Jamie Campbell Naidoo, EBSCO Search Committee Chair (jcnaidoo@ua.edu) with “EBSCO Chair Position” in the subject line.