Department/Organization
219101 - University Libraries
Rank
Assistant/Associate Professor
Position Summary
The University of Alabama seeks a forward-thinking librarian with innovative ideas for learning-centered approaches to research and instructional services. This position will support the development and deployment of learner-centered approaches to research and instructional services in STEM disciplines. Reporting to the Director of Research Computing Services, this position works with campus faculty to develop instruction materials and library assignments, and to identify needs and opportunities for outreach in assigned academic departments mostly consisting of STEM disciplines. The position will work collaboratively within The Eric and Sara Rodgers Library for Science and Engineering. This library primarily serves the College of Arts and Sciences STEM fields, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing and the new School of Data Science.
Detailed Position Information
The position will also participate in First Year Writing and other liaison duties shared across University Libraries. The ideal candidate possesses a strong desire to teach and seeks out further knowledge in teaching and learning theories. They will be responsible for developing a robust instruction and outreach program, both in-person and online, while also offering software application training and support related to areas of liaison responsibilities for the disciplines assigned. This position also participates actively in instruction for the First-year Writing program. This position promotes collaboration and shared information experiences among students, assists with development and implementation of assessment initiatives aimed at improving services and collections, and creates and utilizes a variety of technologies and media for the advancement of library goals and objectives. This position collaborates with a broad range of stakeholders to conceptualize, define, and deliver contemporary services in support of cutting-edge approaches in instruction, research and reference, participating actively in in LibChat services and assessment activities. As part of the liaison role, this position will assist with instructional design initiatives and projects and continuously create and update digital learning objects in support of teaching and learning.
This position may also provide outreach to non-academic units, such as student groups, to develop events and services that promote the University Libraries, and perform other duties/functions as requested. This position will work collaboratively across University Libraries and specifically with Research Computing Services (RCS) and Research Data Services (RDS) to promote and integrate AI literacy, research computing, data services, data literacy, and data curation into library instruction, workshops, and digital learning objects across the disciplines. This position will also assist with oversight of student developer projects and integration of RCS into the curriculum.
The University of Alabama Libraries liaison program emphasizes outreach and seeking opportunities to work with campus faculty and students. Working in a team environment in the University Libraries, the successful candidate must be willing to continually learn, develop, and apply additional expertise through work related experiences and professional development opportunities. They will pursue grant writing opportunities and submission of projects relevant to the mission of University Libraries and the University of Alabama. They must also possess the ability to navigate change and ambiguity as they successfully solve the types of complex problems encountered in research settings.
Responsibilities of the position evolve as the library environment continues to change
SALARY/BENEFITS: 12-month tenure track faculty appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank. Salary range is $70,000-$80,000, commensurate with qualifications, experience, and advanced degrees. Strong benefits, including professional development support, tuition fee waiver, and matching retirement contributions
Minimum Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• Master’s degree in Library & Information Sciences from an ALA-accredited institution or doctoral degree in a scientific or quantitative social sciences field.
• Knowledge of reference/instructional services in an academic library setting.
• Knowledge of trends and services in academic libraries to support undergraduate, graduate, and online education
• Knowledge of current and emerging trends in information literacy instruction and information technologies.
• Awareness of new and emerging technologies and how they can be utilized in an academic library.
• Ability to successfully initiate, track, and manage projects.
• Understanding of ways to market and promote instruction, collections, and services to assigned liaison areas and various programs.
• Demonstration of ability, interest, and willingness to assume additional and/or new responsibilities, along with the ability to set and model high performance standards.
• Proven interpersonal skills, evidenced by the ability to work cooperatively and maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, faculty, students, and staff.
• Ability to conceptualize, articulate, and implement short and long-range goals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, including associated skills such as listening, negotiating, and adapting.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a complex and changing environment
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively and complete tasks according to an established timeframe while managing multiple priorities and consistently meeting deadlines.
• Adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to engage in continuous learning to meet the changing needs of library users.
• Ability to support and enhance a robust learning and working environment.
• Responsibilities change as the University Libraries continue to evolve.
• Ability to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion.
• Evidence of ability to engage in research, librarianship, and service consistent with the University’s and Libraries’ guidelines for faculty promotion and tenure.
• Record of peer reviewed publications, scholarly presentations, and professional service.
Preferred Qualifications
• Additional graduate degree. • One to three years of experience providing reference/instructional services in an academic library setting. • Teaching experience. • Knowledge of funding sources and organizations for grant revenues. • Experience submitting grant proposals. • Experience developing LibGuides, tutorials, and digital learning objects. • Experience with Blackboard or another Learning Management System.
Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Applications are accepted online only at https://facultyjobs.ua.edu. Click Search Positions, University Libraries in the drop down box. Please include your application, Curriculum Vitae, cover letter, and names, addresses, phone numbers, and e-mail addresses for three references, including one current supervisor. Position open until filled. Applications received by September 21, 2026, are assured of receiving full consideration. For questions regarding the search, contact Michael Arthur, Senior Associate Dean, at maarthur@ua.edu.
About the Division/College/School
The University of Alabama Libraries, a system of seven separate discipline-related libraries, is proud to support the research enterprise at the University of Alabama via a comprehensive and integrated network of resources, services, and technologies designed to meet the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff. We take pride in serving as a hub for innovation, knowledge creation and dissemination, research assistance, and collaborative learning. As a U.S. Government Documents Regional Depository since 1860, University Libraries also serves the public and our local community.
The University of Alabama Libraries maintains memberships in the Association of Research Libraries, the Center for Research Libraries, the Greater Western Library Alliance (GWLA), the Coalition of Networked Information, centerNET, LYRASIS, HathiTrust, the Association of Southeastern Research Libraries, LOCKSS, the Network of Alabama Academic Libraries, and the Alabama Digital Preservation Network.
University Libraries provides strong mentorship for faculty and staff, with ongoing collaborative opportunities, and administrative support for innovative services and ideas. We promote and administer a robust professional development environment that supports faculty research and conference travel, and we are invested in academic freedom with teaching and research. We are heavily invested in performing the same high value research that our stakeholders produce, and that assists in our data-driven strategic planning for the future. Our staff routinely update and maintain cutting edge programs of service in support of our stakeholders. Our faculty librarians have developed a record-breaking instruction program, including a series of research data services and workshops, that consistently perform at the top of the SEC.
UA is located in Tuscaloosa, a metropolitan area of over 250,000, with a vibrant economy, a moderate climate, and reputation across the South as an innovative, progressive community with an excellent quality of life. If working with a talented group of professionals who value service, innovation, and high achievement, earning a nationally competitive starting salary, in a thriving college town, with a low cost of living, close to Birmingham, Atlanta, Nashville, New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast sounds interesting to you, start your application process with us to learn more!
Prior to employment the successful candidate must pass a pre-employment background investigation.
About the University
The University of Alabama is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, named one of Travel + Leisure’s 25 Best College Towns and Cities in the U.S. As one of the nation’s premier universities, UA offers bachelor’s, master's and doctoral degrees in nearly 200 fields of study. With more than 1,400 acres of tree-lined academic core campus and over 300 state-of-the art facilities, UA has been ranked among the most beautiful and most impressive college campuses in the South, in the state of Alabama and in the nation.
In Fall 2023, the Capstone set a new enrollment record with more than 39,000 students, including more than 8,200 in the freshman class. The current enrollment includes students from every county in Alabama, every state in the nation and 92 countries around the world. More than 1,100 National Merit Scholars are currently enrolled, making UA one of the largest enrolling institutions of the scholars in the country.
UA was recently recognized as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. students for the seventh time in nine years, as well as a Top Producing Institution of Fulbright U.S. Scholars for the first time. UA is one of only 12 universities in the nation to receive both honors.
For reasons like this, the University made Forbes list of America’s Top Colleges for 2023 and Time magazine’s list of Top 50 Best Colleges for Future Leaders. It also made Princeton Review’s list of Top Value Colleges.
UA is also designated among the top doctoral research universities in the United States in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. One of the fastest growing major research institutions in the nation, UA saw a 21% increase in sponsored awards in the 2023 fiscal year.
Since 2015, UA has invested over $1.1 billion in the physical campus, adding more than 2.55 million gross square feet of space, over 150 new research-intensive faculty, signature research areas (e.g., “The Alabama Research Institutes”), and a growing number of partnerships with industry and with state and federal agencies.
The University employs nearly 2,100 faculty and over 4,500 staff, with 52 UA researchers included in the National Academy of Inventors. An additional 40 current faculty have received the NSF CAREER Award, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of top performing young scientists in disciplines ranging from nanoscience and engineering to biological sciences.
Background Investigation and EEO Statement
Background Investigation Statement: Prior to hiring, the final candidate(s) must successfully pass a pre-employment background investigation and information obtained from social media and other internet sources. A prior conviction reported as a result of the background investigation DOES NOT automatically disqualify a candidate from consideration for this position. A candidate with a prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags will receive an individualized review of the prior conviction or negative behavioral red flags before a hiring decision is made.
Equal Employment Opportunity: The University of Alabama is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment or volunteer status without regard to any legally protected basis and will not be discriminated against because of their protected status. Applicants and employees of this institution are protected under Federal law from discrimination on several bases. More information is available in the EEOC’s Know Your Rights: Workplace (https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf) discrimination is illegal poster.
The University of Alabama affirms its longstanding commitment to institutional neutrality, free speech, and academic freedom.
