Assistant Professor, Library and Information Science

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Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University seeks a probationary (tenure-track) colleague at the rank of Assistant Professor whose research, scholarship and professional expertise are in the area of library theory and practice, including (though not limited to) public, academic, government and special library services in physical and virtual spaces. Our new colleague’s primary teaching responsibilities will be in our Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, known for its library research and training.

FIMS is a vibrant, interdisciplinary Faculty dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about media, communication, and information. At the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral level, we study technologies, systems, histories and practices to understand the role of information and media in democratic process and institutional and community life. We connect our scholarship and research creation to the social and cultural determinants of power and agency in media and information contexts. For more information about our programs, please visit the FIMS website.

Our MLIS program is widely recognized as one of the best of its kind in North America and is accredited by the American Library Association. The curriculum stresses an exploration of the literature of the discipline and the development of critical perspectives on libraries and information. We provide a strong foundation in librarianship in a range of settings together with an opportunity to engage innovative ideas and new information practices. Among programs in Canada, we are well-recognized for training public and academic librarians and library leaders in those institutions.

We seek a colleague who can contribute to students’ development of core professional competencies in library and information design, management, systems, ethics, and the social context of library development and futures. More specifically, we expect our new colleague to be able to teach in two or more of the following areas: information organization, curation and access; information sources and services; managing libraries and information organizations; perspectives in library and information science.

We are open to applicants with doctoral degrees in a range of fields. These could include a PhD in Library and Information Science, or in a cognate area plus evidence of experience with and commitment to libraries (e.g., an MLIS degree in combination with a cognate doctorate and professional library experience). It is essential that our new colleague be prepared to teach core, professional courses to our MLIS students and to help shape our evolving curriculum. Our students go on to contribute to public, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in a range of librarianship and information management roles.

Preference will be given to applicants conducting research in any of the cutting-edge areas of library theory and practice. Examples include (though are not limited to) user experience, broad questions of institutional, linguistic, physical and economic access to library resources, library/community relations, library governance, libraries and rural/urban life, readers and reader services, and critical librarianship.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in hand or near completion; an excellent academic record and demonstrated achievement or promise in scholarly research; teaching experience at the University level; preparedness to teach in-person and on-line; and the ability and willingness to contribute to the intellectual and scholarly life of the field, the Faculty, the University, and the London community. As a campus committed to equity, inclusion, Indigenization, decolonization, access and community engagement, a record of teaching or the capacity to teach a diverse group of students and engage a multicultural community is essential. In an MLIS program that admits students three times a year (in September, January and May), teaching may be assigned in Summer (plus Fall or Winter).
Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities

The anticipated start date is 1 July 2025. Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package, as a single PDF file, containing the following:

1. Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form:
2. A cover Letter which includes:
• a research statement
• a statement of teaching philosophy and capacity for teaching (a) library theory and practice (b) in-person and online, and (c) in a program that prioritizes equity, inclusion, Indigenization, decolonization, access and community engagement
3. A detailed Curriculum Vitae
4. A writing sample not longer than 25 published pages and/or a selective portfolio of work in research creation, where applicable
5. The names, titles and email addresses of three academic referees, though one referee may be an information professional who has supervised the applicant

Electronic applications are preferred and should be submitted in one PDF file (in the sequence above) YOURLASTNAME_UWO_MLIS2024 to

Lisa Henderson
Professor and Dean
Faculty of Information and Media Studies
FIMS and Nursing Building Western University London, ON, Canada N6A 5B9
fimsdeanapps@uwo.ca

Review of applications will begin on 1 November 2024 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communication skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the application and recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact FIMS Faculty Affairs Coordinator Lilianne Dang at ldang4@uwo.ca.

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