Instructor Library Science

Description

The University of Nebraska at Omaha’s Teacher Education Department is seeking an Instructor and Program Coordinator for our undergraduate Library Science Online program. This is a full-time, 9-month, benefits eligible position with an anticipated start date of January 14, 2025. Summer instruction and advising is also an opportunity for this position with additional compensation available. This individual would join our dynamic team in offering unique, online library science curriculum to students geographically distributed across the U.S. and globally. We are seeking candidates who are accepting and affirming of all people and who have experience in effective methods of online and Library Science instruction. Successful candidates should also have experience in inclusive, culturally relevant and sustaining pedagogies, integrating theoretical perspectives on teaching and learning into field-based settings (supervised online), and student advising and mentorship on their academic and professional trajectories. 

The Library Science Instructor also serves as the Program Coordinator and works in close partnership with the Associate Professor in Library Science to handle administration, direction, and leadership of UNO Library Science undergraduate program.  This position entails work that falls into three categories: advising, instruction, and administration.  

Advising duties include but are not limited to working closely with college undergraduate academic advisors to create realistic degree plans for all students and mentorship of all library science candidates (enrolled and eligible to enroll) by supporting their academic and professional progress, professional dispositions, and transitioning their skillsets within the profession. 

 Instructional duties include teaching three online library science courses per semester (fall and spring). These courses meet synchronously one weekend per month. Other instructional duties include course design and delivery, grading and feedback, robust and substantive interactions and support for all students. Instructional responsibilities also include maintaining sophisticated knowledge of current trends in libraries to ensure innovative and engaging experiences for all candidates.   

Administrative duties include but are not limited to hiring, training, and supervising an effective and talented team of program adjunct instructors and a Library Science graduate assistant (one-two year appointments). Additional duties include facilitating strategic planning and visioning, monitoring program operations and curriculum, upholding and supporting program policies, and student support with adjunct instructors. As a program coordinator, this position also includes advocacy both within the university and outside community (e.g., public and academic libraries, museums, school districts, university departments and leaders). 

The university and department have a strong commitment to achieving diversity among faculty and staff. The University of Nebraska does not discriminate 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 in its programs, activities, or employment. UNO is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor and an E-Verify employer. 

Why UNO?  The University of Nebraska at Omaha is fueled by its historical ties to Omaha. As the first municipal university in Omaha, the early founders’ goal was to make higher education accessible and affordable for the city’s residents. In 1968, the campus joined the University of Nebraska system, and today has the unique role of serving as the state’s metropolitan campus. 

 Accessibility remains a top priority in UNO’s mission and vision. In 2018, Best College Reviews named UNO the #1 online Bachelor’s Degree in Library Science. UNO was chosen for its diverse, comprehensive curriculum and almost 100% job placement rate enjoyed by graduates who go on to work as academic librarians, technology coordinators, media archivists, public library directors, and more. Today, the campus is known for its student-centered environment, its community engagement, and its dedication to embracing students from all types of backgrounds. UNO’s ranking as the 2020 Best College for LGBTQ+ Students In Nebraska (https://www.bestcolleges.com/features/top-lgbtq-friendly-colleges-by-state/) reflects a commitment to the Maverick values of access, inclusion and diversity that make UNO a welcoming campus community, evidenced by the numerous resources and support services offered by the university. 

The campus has built strong partnerships with local business, education, government, arts, and civic organizations in the city. UNO’s commitment to community engagement has landed UNO on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for seven consecutive years—the highest federal recognition a school can receive for civic engagement. 

UNO, while large enough to provide students with global opportunities, thrives on its personal and close-knit campus culture, where students come first and partnerships with the community grow every day. For more information about how UNO embraces its mission, see Growing With and Within Our Thriving Community. (https://www.unomaha.edu/academic-affairs/faculty-support/che-ad-for-uno---may-20201.pdf)  

Requirements

Required qualifications: A master's degree in library and information science or a related field. Successful candidates must have teaching experience with preference given to those with prior post-secondary level teaching; experience with online or blended teaching and learning models; at least three years of experience working in a professional library setting or adjacent field; a commitment to diversity, inclusion, access, and equity; and professional service.  

Preferred qualifications: A doctoral candidate, Ed.D., or Ph.D in library and information science or a related field.  Preference will be given to candidates with involvement with supervision of university students in field experiences, working with students in culturally/linguistically diverse settings, collaboration with community organizations.