Assistant Professor - Library Science

Assistant Professor - Library Science

Position Information

Job Title: Assistant Professor - Library Science

Department: Teacher Education

Essential Functions

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO ) invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Library Science in the Department of Teacher Education. This faculty position provides leadership in teaching, scholarship, curriculum innovation, and community engagement while advancing the growth and national reputation of UNO’s Bachelor of Science in Library Science program. As one of the nation’s few undergraduate Library Science programs, UNO is uniquely positioned to prepare the next generation of library and information professionals through innovative instruction, experiential learning, professional partnerships, and applied scholarship.

Anticipated start date is August 16, 2027.

UNO’s Library Science program prepares graduates to organize, manage, and deliver information resources across diverse communities and technology-rich environments. Students develop expertise in digital citizenship, information literacy, children’s and young adult literature, leadership and management, research, outreach, and community engagement while participating in field experiences that bridge theory and professional practice. Graduates pursue careers in public, academic, and special libraries.

We seek an accomplished educator and emerging scholar who is passionate about preparing future library science professionals while advancing the field through research, innovation, and community partnerships. The successful candidate will provide leadership in online teaching, curriculum development, student mentoring, scholarship, and professional engagement while collaborating with libraries, archives, museums, schools, and community organizations throughout Nebraska and beyond. The faculty member will contribute to the continued evolution of the program by expanding experiential learning opportunities, strengthening workforce partnerships, developing innovative curriculum, and enhancing UNO’s national reputation as a leader in undergraduate Library Science education.

Why UNO ?

The University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO ) is Nebraska’s only public metropolitan university, uniquely positioned at the heart of the state’s largest city. As a proud member of the University of Nebraska system, UNO offers a distinctive blend of academic excellence, impactful research, and meaningful community engagement, all within a student-centered environment that fosters opportunity, access, and achievement. With more than 15,000 students and a campus known for its variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, UNO is committed to merit-based opportunity, inclusive excellence, and the transformative power of education. We emphasize experiential learning and innovation in all that we do, preparing our graduates to lead in a dynamic, global society.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to preventing and eliminating discrimination against employees and prospective employees based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. The University of Nebraska at Omaha does not condone or tolerate discrimination. In support of this policy, the University has implemented employment programs to recruit, employ, and promote qualified individuals based solely on their knowledge, skills, abilities and talents. These factors, along with our commitment to recruit, assess and select all candidates/employees using job-related criteria, ensure fairness, equal evaluation, and treatment in our selection decisions and processes.

Work Schedule: Varies

Additional Duties

Teaching and Student Success

• Teach undergraduate Library Science courses in a high-quality online environment and provide academic advising, mentoring, and supervision of internships, field experiences, and undergraduate research.
• Foster student success by preparing graduates for careers in libraries, archives, museums, and other information organizations through innovative, student-centered instruction.

Curriculum and Program Development

• Develop and continuously improve curriculum, including new courses, certificates, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities that respond to emerging trends and workforce needs in Library and Information Science.
• Contribute to program assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Scholarship and Professional Leadership

• Maintain an active program of scholarship through research, publications, conference presentations, and pursuit of external funding.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Develop and sustain partnerships with libraries, archives, museums, schools, and community organizations to expand experiential learning, workforce development, and community engagement opportunities.
• Support recruitment, marketing, and outreach initiatives that strengthen enrollment and enhance UNO’s reputation as a leader in undergraduate Library Science education

Opportunities for Impact

The Assistant Professor of Library Science will play a critical role in advancing UNO’s nationally distinctive undergraduate Library Science program by strengthening teaching, scholarship, and workforce partnerships that prepare graduates to meet the evolving needs of libraries and information organizations.

Working collaboratively with faculty, libraries, archives, museums, professional associations, and community organizations, the successful candidate will expand experiential learning opportunities, develop innovative curriculum, mentor future library professionals, and pursue scholarship that enhances the visibility and impact of the program. Through leadership in curriculum innovation, external funding, and community engagement, the Assistant Professor will help position UNO as a national leader in undergraduate Library Science education while supporting workforce development across Nebraska and the region.

Required Qualifications

• An earned doctorate (or ABD ) in Library and Information Science or a closely related field by the date of appointment.
• Professional experience in public, academic, school, special, or digital libraries, archives, museums, or other information organizations.
• Demonstrated potential for excellence in undergraduate teaching.
• Evidence of an active or emerging scholarly agenda appropriate for a tenure-track appointment.
• Knowledge of current and emerging issues in Library and Information Science.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with colleagues, students, and community partners through effective communication.
• Commitment to student success, academic excellence, and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience teaching online or in other technology-enhanced learning environments.
• Experience developing curriculum, certificates, or innovative educational programming.
• Demonstrated success in securing external funding or participating in grant-funded initiatives.
• Experience collaborating with libraries, archives, museums, or community organizations.
• Professional leadership within regional or national Library and Information Science organizations.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly sits; may stand, walk. See, hear, speak and use of hands

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly works indoors. Noise level is low to moderate.

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number: 2026F-00154

Open Until Filled: Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

To learn more and apply online, please visit: https://unomaha.peopleadmin.com/postings/26666 and submit the following application materials:

1. Cover letter
2. CV
3. Statements of research and teaching interests.
4. Contact information for three references (references will only be contacted for finalists)

Applications must be submitted directly through the UNO website to be considered for this position. Any applications submitted via email or this website will not be reviewed or considered.

Review of applications will begin on November 19, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. To ensure full consideration, please apply by the review date. For questions about the position, please contact Chris Wilcoxen at 402-554-3666.