Instructor, Renewable Contract: Archival Studies-School of Library & Information Sciences - 527439

Department/Organization
207401 - School of Library and Info Studies

Rank
Instructor

Position Summary
The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama, invites applications for a nine-month, non-tenure track renewable contract instructor in archival studies to begin August 16, 2026.

Detailed Position Information
The University of Alabama School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama, invites applications for a nine-month, non-tenure track renewable contract instructor in archival studies to begin August 16, 2026.

Position Summary & Responsibilities:
This position provides an exciting opportunity for a passionate educator teach in our robust archival studies program and to shape the character and direction of the School of Library and Information Studies. We are at a thrilling juncture with a new facility, growing student body and faculty at all ranks, and supportive administration dedicated to information literacy and access. This enthusiastic individual is expected to:

• Teach courses in the core archival studies curriculum: introduction to archival studies, intellectual foundations of archival theory and practice, archival appraisal, and archival representation, access, and use. Option to teach in other areas of the LIS curriculum, including archival studies electives, and to develop new courses to meet LIS programmatic needs.
• Advise graduate students (master’s level) and assist with the coordination of archival studies advising.
• Participate in academic service in SLIS, the College of Communication and Information Sciences, and the University of Alabama.
• Engage in professional LIS organizations at the state, national, and international levels.

This teaching focused position is based on a 3-year renewable contract cycle with opportunities for promotion. Successful applicants will display the ability to be an active and involved member of a highly collaborative faculty team. The standard teaching load for renewable contract faculty members is four courses per semester with the option to teach during the summer. Instructional modes include web-based synchronous distance education and face-to-face.

Minimum Qualifications
• Earned master’s in Library and Information Science or related area from a regionally accredited university prior to the appointment date.
• Professional experience working in an archive
• Exemplify a commitment to work with students, colleagues, and partners with a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and levels of experience with archival studies
• Ability to be an active and involved member of a highly collaborative faculty team.

Preferred Qualifications
• Expertise in digital archives • At least 2 years teaching experience in the topical areas covered by the MLIS archival studies core • Evidence of successful synchronous teaching of online courses. • Demonstrated academic advising and student mentorship experiences. • Active involvement in relevant regional and/or national organizations.

Instructions and Required Materials for Application
Application Process Applicants must apply online at https://careers.ua.edu/jobs/search/college-of-communication-information-sciences and submit the following required materials. 1. Cover letter highlighting your overall match for the position 2. Curriculum vitae 3. Names and contact information for three references 4. Teaching Philosophy Review of applications begins immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions regarding the search should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Robert B. Riter at rbriter@ua.edu.

About the Division/College/School
The College of Communication & Information Sciences has four academic units, approximately 110 full-time faculty members, and serves approximately 3,500 students across bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs, including approximately 95 students in the college-wide Ph.D. program. The college’s Institute for Communication & Information Research (ICIR) is a premier research institute dedicated to addressing societal and cultural issues related to communication and information research. The ICIR collaborates with businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, foundations, and other entities to produce high-impact research that informs and improves our evolving communication and information landscape. The College is also home to the Public Opinion Lab, equipped with the Sprinklr