What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Library and Information Studies - Human Information Behavior (Tenure Track or Tenured) position at The University of Oklahoma, School of Library and Information Studies?
The School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) in the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Oklahoma (OU) invites applications for a full-time tenured/tenure track faculty position in Human Information Behavior. This position will begin on August 16, 2027. The position is located in Norman, Oklahoma and the successful candidate will be required to move to the area (this is not a remote position). Our mission statement and other information can be found at https://www.ou.edu/cas/slis/about. The University of Oklahoma offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement, and leave benefits. For additional information about benefits, please visit the https://hr.ou.edu/.
We are seeking a dynamic candidate with a demonstrated research agenda, commitment to service, and the ability to teach courses at the undergraduate, master’s, and/or doctoral levels. This is a 9-month position with a teaching load of 2 courses in the fall semester and 2 courses in the spring semester. Faculty distribution of effort is typically 40% teaching, 40% research, and 20% service and faculty members are expected to be successful in all three categories.
A successful hire for this faculty position will have the research experience and knowledge to engage deeply in user-centered design practices, system design, and user studies across many disciplines, industries, and grant projects, working collaboratively with faculty within and outside of SLIS.
Courses taught by this faculty member could include topics such as Information Seeking and Use, Information Sources and Services, Information Behavior, Information and Society, Online Information Retrieval, Health Information Behavior, Digital Information Ethics, and User-Centered Design.
Faculty responsibilities include:
- Instruction including course development, mentoring graduate students, and supervising student independent courses and projects
- Research and publication at a level appropriate for a Carnegie R1 research university
- Departmental service including contributing to systematic planning and development within SLIS, attending faculty meetings, SLIS committee membership, other SLIS service assignments
- Service at the college and university, and professional service at the regional, national, and international levels
Qualifications:
Required:
- Earned Ph.D. or equivalent in LIS or related discipline with a specialization in Human Information Behavior. The candidate can be ABD at the time of application but is expected to have Ph.D. in-hand by August 2027.
- Demonstrated teaching experience
- Demonstrated research ability
Preferred (not required):
- Experience teaching at the graduate level
- Experience teaching in an online, asynchronous format
Application Instructions
Applicants are invited to submit a comprehensive cover letter addressing how their credentials make them a good fit for this faculty position, including a description of their research agenda, and career goals. The cover letter may address examples of the candidate's approach to teaching. In addition to the cover letter, applicants will submit a current C.V. and names with contact information for three confidential letters of reference. Materials should be submitted to https://apply.interfolio.com/194006. The position will remain open until filled.
Contact Person and Application Review Date:
The search committee will begin reviewing applications on November 15, 2026.
Inquiries should be directed to the search committee co-chair:
Dr. Susan K. Burke, Associate Professor
The University of Oklahoma. School of Library and Information Studies
sburke@ou.edu
Equal employment opportunity statement: The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.
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Mission of the University of Oklahoma
The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.