Director, Master of Library and Information Studies Program
 University of Arkansas | |
 United States, Arkansas, Fayetteville | |
 Oct 09, 2026 | |
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Current University of Arkansas System employees, including student employees and graduate assistants, need to log in to Workday via MyApps.Microsoft.com, then access Find Jobs from the Workday search bar to view and apply for open positions.
Students at all University of Arkansas institutions will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Jobs for Students." University of Arkansas, Fayetteville students will view open positions and apply within Workday by searching for "Find Student Jobs at UAF." All Job Postings will close at 12:01 a.m. CT on the specified Closing Date (if designated). If you close the browser or exit your application prior to submitting, the application process will be saved as a draft. You will be able to access and complete the application through "My Draft Applications" located on your Candidate Home page. Closing Date: 11/17/2026 Type of Position:Faculty - Tenure/Tenure TrackWorkstudy Position: Work Shift: Sponsorship Available: Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas is a land grant institution, classified by the Carnegie Foundation among the nation's top 2 percent of universities with the highest level of research activity. The University of Arkansas works to advance the state and build a better world through education, research, and outreach by providing transformational opportunities and skills, fostering a welcoming climate, and nurturing creativity, discovery, and the spread of new ideas and innovations. Department's Website: The University of Arkansas Libraries invites applications for the Director of the Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) Program, a twelve-month, tenure-track faculty appointment reporting to the Dean of Libraries. This is an exceptional opportunity for an accomplished academic leader to launch and shape the university's first graduate program in library and information science, working closely with the Dean of Libraries, program faculty, and campus partners to build a new practitioner-oriented program from the ground up. The successful candidate will bring strong collaborative, management, and communication skills, along with the ability to navigate a complex and dynamic academic environment. The University Libraries preferentially seeks a candidate whose record of teaching, scholarship, and service qualifies them for appointment with tenure at the rank of Associate Professor upon hire. About the Program The MLIS program is new to the University of Arkansas and is the only master's-level library and information science program in the state. Housed within the University Libraries and based at Mullins Library on the Fayetteville campus, the program offers an in-person, practitioner-oriented curriculum developed in consultation with ALA-accredited peer institutions and is pursuing accreditation from the American Library Association. The program will welcome its first cohort in Fall 2027 and is projected to grow to a steady-state enrollment of approximately 36 students. Because the program is housed within a large, comprehensive academic library, students learn alongside working practitioners and gain access to hands-on, experiential learning opportunities not typically available in stand-alone or fully online programs. About University Libraries The University of Arkansas Libraries is the recognized flagship of the University of Arkansas System and includes Mullins Library, the University's main library, which recently completed a two-phase renovation creating modern instructional, collaborative, and research spaces. The Libraries employ 34 full-time faculty librarians whose scholarship spans user behavior, public services, archival practice, digital technology, artificial intelligence, and data analysis, and who will play a central role in teaching and mentoring within the new program. Key Responsibilities Provide overall vision, leadership, and day-to-day administration for the MLIS program, working with the Dean of Libraries to establish policies, procedures, and long-term strategic direction. Serve as the principal liaison between the program, University Libraries leadership, campus partners, and external stakeholders. Coordinate student recruiting, admissions, orientation, and communications for the program. Lead curriculum development and coordinate course scheduling, staffing, and program assessment in collaboration with program faculty, adjunct instructors, and University Libraries faculty. Provide leadership, mentorship, and workload coordination for MLIS program faculty in partnership with the Dean of Libraries. Partner with the Assistant Dean for Finance to develop the program's budget and approve unit expenditures. Lead the program's efforts toward American Library Association accreditation, including preparation of self-study and candidacy materials. Teach two courses each fall and spring semester (2-2 load) within the MLIS curriculum. Advise and mentor MLIS graduate students. Maintain an active program of research and professional scholarship consistent with promotion and tenure expectations. Represent the program on department, college, and university committees and participate in shared governance. Workload is generally distributed as approximately 50 percent teaching and program leadership, 30 percent research, and 20 percent service, consistent with the responsibilities of a 12-month administrative faculty appointment. This is an in-person position. Most university classes are offered face-to-face, and extensive in-person engagement in such activities as office hours, student advising, and departmental, college, and university committee meetings is essential to advancing student success and departmental effectiveness. Regular, reliable, and non-disruptive attendance is an essential job duty, as is the ability to create and maintain collegial, harmonious working relationships with others. Qualifications: Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Qualification Equivalencies: Additional Information: Salary Information: Required Documents to Apply: Optional Documents: Recruitment Contact Information: All application materials must be uploaded to the University of Arkansas System Career Sitehttps://uasys.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/UASYS Please do not send to listed recruitment contact. Special Instructions to Applicants: Applicants should submit a letter of application addressing the required and preferred qualifications, a curriculum vitae, a statement of administrative and teaching philosophy, and the names and contact information of three professional references.The review of applications begins on Monday, November 17, 2026. Pre-employment Screening Requirements:Criminal Background Check, Sex Offender Registry The University of Arkansas is committed to providing a safe campus community. We conduct background checks for applicants being considered for employment. Background checks include a criminal background check and a sex offender registry check. For certain positions, there may also be a financial (credit) background check, a Motor Vehicle Registry (MVR) check, and/or drug screening. Required checks are identified in the position listing. A criminal conviction or arrest pending adjudication or adverse financial history information alone shall not disqualify an applicant in the absence of a relationship to the requirements of the position. Background check information will be used in a confidential, non-discriminatory manner consistent with state and federal law. The University of Arkansas seeks to attract, develop and retain high quality faculty, staff and administrators that consistently display practices and behaviors to advance a culture that embeds equal opportunity, educational excellence and unparalleled access for all. The University of Arkansas is an equal opportunity institution. The University does not discriminate in its education programs or activities (including in admission and employment) on the basis of any category or status protected by law, including age, race, color, national origin, disability, religion, protected veteran status, military service, genetic information, sex, sexual preference, or pregnancy. Questions or concerns about the application of Title IX, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex, may be sent to the University's Title IX Coordinator and to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights.Persons must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States on the first day of employment. All Application information is subject to public disclosure under the Arkansas Freedom of Information Act. Constant Physical Activity:N/A Frequent Physical Activity:N/A Occasional Physical Activity:N/A Benefits Eligible:Yes | |