Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus

Overview

Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus on Artificial Intelligence. Location: Columbia College/Division: College of Information and Communications, Department CIC, School of Information Science. Full-time, 37.5 hours per week. Tenure-Track/Tenured. Start date: August 16, 2026.

Position Description

The library and information science profession is rapidly changing, and future information professionals will need expertise in data science, machine learning, and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The School of Information Science (iSchool) is expanding its faculty to address the growing need for information professionals trained to understand and apply AI technologies in various information organizations including libraries, museums, government organizations, and private corporations. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI to society and the significant impact on libraries and information organizations, the iSchool at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor focused on AI related to library and information science to begin on August 16, 2026.

We seek scholars whose research, teaching, and impact in the field will advance one or more dimensions of AI in libraries and information organizations, including but not limited to:

• Design: Conceptualizing, creating, and evaluating AI-based designs, such as innovative tools or curricula used in libraries, government, and other information organizations
• Practice: Analyzing the potential and complexities of AI as it relates to libraries, librarianship, and teaching and learning
• Ethical and Societal Implications: Interrogating the ethical, historical, and cultural impacts of AI including considerations of privacy and bias

The successful candidate will join a team of faculty and will be expected to: (1) establish/continue a strong and ongoing agenda for research; (2) teach in both face-to-face and online environments, primarily at the graduate level, with opportunities to teach in the undergraduate program; (3) develop courses focused on AI, especially AI and libraries; and (4) mentor graduate students.

Responsibilities

• Establish/continue a strong and ongoing agenda for research.
• Teach in both face-to-face and online environments, primarily at the graduate level, with opportunities to teach in the undergraduate program.
• Develop courses focused on AI, especially AI and libraries.
• Mentor graduate students.

The School of Information Science (iSchool) at USC currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, an online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), and a PhD in Library and Information Science. Our active faculty are members of professional associations and the MLIS program is nationally ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Ph.D. in library and information studies or related field, plus relevant experience consistent with academic policy by the start date of employment (at least 5 years for Associate Professor rank or at least 9 years for Full Professor rank). ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
• Evidence of a focused/established scholarly agenda (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential of building a scholarly agenda).
• A record of research on AI (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential in this area), that explores design, practice, and ethical/societal implications of AI.
• Evidence/potential to develop extramural funding.
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to teach online courses at graduate level.
• Ability to advise graduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.

Posting and Application Details

Posting Date: 09/22/2025. Desired Start Date: 08/16/2026. Job Open Date: 09/22/2025. Position open until filled.

Applications are due by October 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents:

• Letter of application that includes a research statement demonstrating AI as a core area of emphasis
• Curriculum vitae
• Two sample publications or pieces of scholarly work
• List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
• Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be emailed directly to the Search Committee Chair. Letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.

Inquiries about this posting should be directed to the Search Committee Chair Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb. (Email address provided in posting.)

Application Process and Contact

Positions are advertised for a minimum of five business days on our job website. After five business days, positions can be closed at the discretion of the department at any time. The length of the recruitment and screening process may vary. Should review of your qualifications result in a decision to pursue your candidacy, you will be contacted by phone or email.

About USC

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDS status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under applicable law.

EEO Statement

EEO statement: The University of South Carolina provides equal employment opportunities and a welcoming environment for all employees and applicants.