Director, School of Library and Information Studies

Position Available:
Director, School of Library and Information Studies, University of Oklahoma (Full or Associate Professor).

The mission of the SLIS is to provide excellence in education, preparing leaders for a diverse, highly technological, knowledge-based global society; to engage in research and creative activities that generate new knowledge and applications for effective practice and that foster interdisciplinary approaches to address information challenges; and to meet the complex information needs of society through public and professional service.

The School has three degree programs: an ALA-accredited master’s degree in library and information studies (MLIS); a master of science in knowledge management (MSKM), and a bachelor of arts in information studies (BAIS). Faculty are located on two campuses, the main campus in Norman and at the University of Oklahoma-Tulsa. Courses are delivered on site at both locations, via video and online. All three programs are or will be available online. A doctoral program is under consideration. For further information about the School, see www.ou.edu/cas/slis.

Position Description:
The School seeks a Director able to provide visionary and transformative leadership that fosters excellence in faculty research and teaching and to communicate effectively with the School’s internal and external constituencies. The Director of the School will demonstrate a collegial approach that supports faculty governance and the ability to work collaboratively with other units within the University.

The Director is responsible for the general administration and coordination of the School’s activities and reports to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. The Director promotes the School’s mission, represents the School to its various audiences, provides academic and professional leadership for a full-time faculty of 13, prepares budgets, and manages personnel and fiscal resources (including fundraising). A successful candidate will possess a strong record of scholarship and teaching, qualifying for a twelve-month academic appointment (to a four-year renewable term as director) with tenure at the rank of associate or full professor.

Requirements:
Requirements for the position include an earned doctorate in a field relevant to the mission of the School, demonstrated administrative experience in a university setting, experience in library/information science education, and a demonstrated commitment to distance education.

Salary: Commensurate with the appointment and qualifications.

Position Available: July 1, 2010. Screening of applicants will begin immediately. Applications will be considered until the position is filled.

Application: Send letter of application including a statement of research interest, curriculum vitae, and the names of three references to:

Rhonda Taylor and Connie Van Fleet
Co-Chairs, Search Committee
School of Library and Information Studies
University of Oklahoma
401 West Brooks, Room 120
Norman, OK 73019-6032
Voice: (405) 325-3921 FAX: (405) 325-7648
Email: rtaylor@ou.edu or cvanfleet@ou.edu

The University of Oklahoma is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer.
Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.