Assistant Professor, Teaching-track, Library & Information Science
Position Overview
Organization: Information School
Title: Assistant Professor, Teaching-track, Library & Information Science
Position Details
Position Description
The Information School of the University of Washington seeks an Assistant Teaching Professor in Library & Information Science (LIS). This position is full-time, teaching track (ineligible for tenure) and will be expected to teach the study, design, and development of library and information services for the good of people, organizations, society, and the environment. The successful applicant will be expected to (1) be an engaged teacher and mentor, (2) engage in one or more domains of LIS expertise listed below, and (3) engage diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and justice in the context of teaching social and technical topics.
The successful candidate will be expected to apply LIS theory and ethics in teaching sociotechnical topics and issues in one or more of the following areas of expertise:
● Knowledge Organization & Information Architecture: cultural, social, and ideological politics and practices of knowledge organization, representation, metadata and categorization, and the management of digital content and cultural heritage collections.
● Youth Services and School Librarianship: librarians as facilitators of information literacy and the joy of reading and learning of all types that leverages the strength of libraries and archives as learning institutions.
● Intellectual Freedom: libraries and archives as catalysts and leaders for intellectual freedom, freedom to read, policymaking and legislation pertaining to censorship and information accessibility.
● Community Engagement: Working collaboratively with user communities in planning services and spaces to transform the social and intellectual environment, lead dialogue and deliberation efforts, and act as integral change agents in the community.
This position will engage in LIS practice and leverage a rich professional network to facilitate student learning experiences (e.g. directed fieldwork, capstones, and internships). The successful candidate will be expected to engage in teaching in ways in which library and information services can be designed to minimize and mitigate its harm to people, societies and the environment (e.g., bias and hegemony in classification schema, exclusion of marginalized voices, censorship and free speech, bias and normativity in scholarly communication, information literacy and misinformation, community-based participatory research. In addition, priority is given to candidates who can contribute to the Information School’s strategic areas: climate change, health and wellness, healthy information environments, and responsible implementation of AI.
Successful candidates will join a broad-based, inclusive Information School that offers multiple degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level and is committed to the values of leadership, innovation, and diversity. The iSchool’s MLIS program is ranked number 1 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report. This individual will be a key contributor to the ongoing success of this degree program in one of the world’s leading information schools.
Teaching professors are an integral part of the faculty of the iSchool. We provide mentorship, a career path, and opportunities for leadership in the school. This position includes faculty voting rights but is not tenure eligible. The University of Washington is on the quarter system (autumn, winter, spring) and teaching professors typically teach two courses per quarter (6 courses over 9 months) with summers off. Opportunities for summer teaching are often available. Teaching professors in LIS are expected to teach in both the residential and online MLIS courses. University of Washington teaching professors engage in teaching, scholarship, and service. Scholarships are supported and can be demonstrated across a range of contributions, such as innovations in teaching, leadership in teaching communities of practice, and teaching mentorship. Other examples include but are not limited to creative pedagogy and development of new curricula, presenting at professional conferences, leadership in professional associations or on advisory boards, collaboration with faculty at other institutions, publication or editing, peer review for journals or conference programs, or consulting.
The University of Washington is a vibrant community of inclusive research and community outreach, situated between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, in the city of Seattle, on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples. Seattle is a rapidly growing, dynamic, and diverse metropolitan area.
The position is a full-time 9-month teaching track appointment at the rank of Assistant Teaching Professor with a start date of September 1, 2026. Applicants may find further information about the Information School at ischool.uw.edu.
The base salary for this position will be $11,000 - $13,000 per month ($99,000 - $117,000 per 9-month academic year), commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination.
Qualifications
Applicants must minimally have a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or a related library science discipline (or foreign equivalent).
Applicants must have at least 5 years of combined teaching and professional experience in librarianship, information industry, government service, or advocacy. Teaching experience can be in higher education or other professional contexts.
The successful candidate will have substantial expertise in LIS practice, and a rich professional network to leverage for facilitating student learning experiences (e.g. directed fieldwork, capstones, and internships).
Instructions
Review of applications will begin February 20, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Preference will be given to candidates who apply by February 19, 2026. Other applications will be reviewed beginning on the 1st of each month until finalists are chosen. Select candidates will be invited for campus visits.
The initial application package must include a resume or CV, a cover letter, a teaching statement, and a diversity statement. Include the names and contact information for three references, who may be contacted for letters of recommendation. We encourage you to choose references from anyone who can speak to your expertise, your ability to teach and mentor, or your general ability to collaborate and work in diverse settings. Short-listed candidates will later be asked to do a live teaching demonstration. Details on these will be provided at the appropriate time.
iSchool Cover Letter, Teaching Statement, and Diversity Statement Guidelines
These statements are important. The Cover Letter and Teaching Statement provide an opportunity for applicants to reflect on their scholarship, teaching, and service accomplishments and goals that contribute to those values. The Teaching Statement should be a one to two-page statement that describes your approach to and experience in teaching. Where appropriate, please include any experience designing courses, instructional materials, or curricula in LIS. The LIS program is delivered in both online and in-person instructional modes.
The University of Washington and the Information School are committed to fostering a welcoming environment in which students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds and experiences have equal opportunities to participate, succeed, and feel a sense of belonging. In your statement, please share how your scholarship, teaching, service accomplishments and goals advance these shared values.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits
Privacy Notice
Review the University of Washington Privacy Notice for Demographic Data of Job Applicants and University Personnel to learn how your demographic data are protected, when the data may be used, and your rights.
Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.