Lecturer in Library, Archival and Information Studies

Description

The University of British Columbia’s School of Information, one of the world’s leading iSchools, invites applications for a full-time Lecturer, commencing as early as July 1, 2023. In accordance with the Collective Agreement between UBC and the UBC Faculty Association, lecturer positions at UBC are appointments without review (i.e. non-tenure track), renewable for successive terms subject to availability of funds, operational needs, and demonstration of excellence in teaching and service. This position will entail a probationary first year.

We are seeking a dynamic scholar and educator to join our distinguished, multi-disciplinary, and growing faculty. The School of Information hosts top-ranked professional graduate programs in Library and Information Studies and Archival Studies, as well as an MA in Children’s Literature, a Doctoral Program, and a new undergraduate program in Informatics. This position offers the opportunity to contribute to the education of the next generation of researchers and professionals, to develop and hone teaching expertise and to build a strong teaching portfolio in a positive and supportive environment. Located in beautiful Vancouver, Canada, on the Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, the University of British Columbia is consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world, and was recently named the Most International University in North America.

Qualifications and Requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a Ph.D. in library, archival or information studies (or to have successfully defended prior to the start date of the appointment). Exceptional candidates with a relevant master’s degree and substantial professional experience will be considered without a PhD.

Preference will be given to candidates with the knowledge and ability to teach across more than one of the following areas:  foundations of library and information studies; archival management; management of information organizations; design of digital information and records systems; data analytics and data management and services.

The ideal candidate will have:

·         a demonstrated record of, or evident potential for, high quality instruction;

·         the ability to support a positive and inclusive learning environment in the classroom;

·         willingness to teach in a multi-disciplinary context with students from a wide range of academic backgrounds;

·         a demonstrated capacity for professional and/or academic service

The School of Information acknowledges that within higher education in Canada, traditional or conventional academic pathways can reinforce biases in the filling of faculty posts. We encourage applications that may not fit this mold and challenge our ideas of teaching, scholarship and research.

Responsibilities          

A full-time Lecturer in the Faculty of Arts is responsible for the equivalent of 24 teaching credits (i.e., eight 3-credit courses) and service assignments.  In cases where an extraordinary level of additional administrative or service responsibilities are assigned, a 3-credit teaching reduction may be granted. Additional service responsibilities may include curriculum development, student advising, and community outreach.

School of Information

The School of Information is a top-ranked institution in the field of information management and presents a vibrant teaching and research environment. Our faculty are engaged in innovative and collaborative research, community engagement, and professional leadership. We offer several outstanding graduate programs with consistently high evaluations from our students, including a PhD program, Masters programs in Library and Information Studies (MLIS) and Archival Studies (MAS), and a First Nations Curriculum Concentration (FNCC), our specialization that focuses on Indigenous information initiatives. Further information about the School of Information can be found at https://ischool.ubc.ca.

Equity and mutual respect are core values of the School of Information; we pay particular attention to the needs of all marginalized and under-represented groups of people. As School we are actively engaged in implementing UBC’s Indigenous Strategic Plan (ISP) (https://isp.ubc.ca/) and the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). We seek to create a diverse, inclusive, and equitable school for faculty, staff and students of all backgrounds and identities. Candidates are expected to have a strong commitment to the mission of School of Information and show the potential of diverse, critical, and socially responsible approaches in teaching and research.

The University and the Faculty of Arts

UBC has an international reputation for excellence in advanced research and learning. It is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally diverse cities. UBC-Vancouver’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) People, with whom UBC shares a framework Memorandum of Affiliation. For information relating to Indigenous engagement at UBC, visit http://indigenous.ubc.ca/.

Application materials

Applications are to be submitted before March 15, 2023, via this online form:

https://lais.air.arts.ubc.ca/lecturer-position-library-archival-information-studies/

Applicants should be prepared to upload in the following order and in a single PDF:

·         Letter of application;

·         Curriculum vitae;

·         Statement of teaching philosophy (1-2 pages);

·         Statement of experience working with a diverse student body and contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion (1-2 pages);

·         Teaching portfolio that demonstrates  evidence and/or potential for teaching effectiveness, which can include teaching evaluations, peer assessments, lesson plans, course syllabus, and/or contributions to Educational Leadership;

·         Name, title, and affiliation, and contact information of three references.

Applicants should also arrange for three confidential letters of reference to be sent directly by their referees, by March 15, via email to ischool.recruit@ubc.ca with the subject line “Lecturer Position in Library, Archival and Information Studies”.

Enquiries may be addressed to Dr. Luanne Sinnamon, Chair of the Search Committee for this position at: Luanne.sinnamon@ubc.ca.  Review of applications will begin and will continue until the position is filled. Applications received by March 15 are assured of full review. This position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Commitment to Equity and Diversity

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. UBC hires on the basis of merit and is committed to employment equity. We encourage all qualified persons to apply. Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Interviews for this position will be conducted remotely.