University of South Carolina
Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus
University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, us, 29228
Overview
Open Rank Tenure-Track Faculty Position in Library & Information Science – Focus on Artificial Intelligence
Campus: Columbia
College/Division: College of Information and Communications
Department: CIC School of Information Science
Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Position Type: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Full-time Equivalent (FTE), Basis: 9 months
Work County: Richland
Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
Job Search Category: Faculty
About University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Advertised Job Summary The library and information science profession is rapidly changing, and future information professionals will need expertise in data science, machine learning, and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The School of Information Science (iSchool) is expanding its faculty to address the growing need for information professionals trained to understand and apply AI technologies in various information organizations including libraries, museums, government organizations, and private corporations. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI to society and the significant impact on libraries and information organizations, the iSchool at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor focused on AI related to library and information science to begin on August 16, 2026.
We seek scholars whose research, teaching, and impact in the field will advance one or more dimensions of AI in libraries and information organizations, including but not limited to:
Design : Conceptualizing, creating, and evaluating AI-based designs, such as innovative tools or curricula used in libraries, government, and other information organizations
Practice : Analyzing the potential and complexities of AI as it relates to libraries, librarianship, and teaching and learning.
Ethical and Societal Implications : Interrogating the ethical, historical, and cultural impacts of AI including considerations of privacy and bias.
The successful candidate will join a team of faculty and will be expected to: (1) establish/continue a strong and ongoing agenda for research; (2) teach in both face-to-face and online environments, primarily at the graduate level, with opportunities to teach in the undergraduate program; (3) develop courses focused on AI, especially AI and libraries; and (4) mentor graduate students.
School and College Context The School of Information Science
— The iSchool at the University of South Carolina currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, an online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), and a PhD in Library and Information Science. Our active faculty are members, scholars, and leaders within the American Library Association (ALA), Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), and Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE). The MLIS program and school library program are nationally ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Information and Communications
— The CIC is home to two internationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) and the School of Information Science, along with the new interdisciplinary unit of Information and Communication Studies. Together these entities advance research, teaching, and outreach across a wide spectrum of communication and information domains. The CIC combines communication, information science, and interdisciplinary study to advance information access and effective communication as cornerstones of self-governance and civic life. The college enrolls approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 500 graduate students and is supported by more than 150 faculty and staff. Facilities include the Social Media Insights Lab and the Biometric and User Experience Lab.
Required Education and Experience
Ph.D. in library and information studies or related field, plus relevant experience consistent with academic policy by the start date of employment (at least 5 years for Associate Professor or at least 9 years for Full Professor). ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
Evidence of a focused/established scholarly agenda (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential of building a scholarly agenda).
A record of research on AI (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential in this area), that explores design, practice, and ethical/societal implications of AI.
Evidence/potential to develop extramural funding.
Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to teach online courses at graduate level.
Ability to advise graduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026
Open Date and Application Job Open Date: 09/22/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant Applications are due by October 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents:
Letter of application that includes a research statement demonstrating AI as a core area of emphasis
Curriculum vitae
Two sample publications or pieces of scholarly work
List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be emailed directly to Rachel Rolli at rachelrolli@sc.edu. While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.
Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb at SRATHBUN@mailbox.sc.edu.
Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195146
EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
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Campus: Columbia
College/Division: College of Information and Communications
Department: CIC School of Information Science
Advertised Salary Range: Commensurate with experience
Position Type: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week, Full-time Equivalent (FTE), Basis: 9 months
Work County: Richland
Tenure Information: Tenure-Track/Tenured
Job Search Category: Faculty
About University of South Carolina From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.
Advertised Job Summary The library and information science profession is rapidly changing, and future information professionals will need expertise in data science, machine learning, and application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. The School of Information Science (iSchool) is expanding its faculty to address the growing need for information professionals trained to understand and apply AI technologies in various information organizations including libraries, museums, government organizations, and private corporations. Recognizing the transformative potential of AI to society and the significant impact on libraries and information organizations, the iSchool at the University of South Carolina invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate/Full Professor focused on AI related to library and information science to begin on August 16, 2026.
We seek scholars whose research, teaching, and impact in the field will advance one or more dimensions of AI in libraries and information organizations, including but not limited to:
Design : Conceptualizing, creating, and evaluating AI-based designs, such as innovative tools or curricula used in libraries, government, and other information organizations
Practice : Analyzing the potential and complexities of AI as it relates to libraries, librarianship, and teaching and learning.
Ethical and Societal Implications : Interrogating the ethical, historical, and cultural impacts of AI including considerations of privacy and bias.
The successful candidate will join a team of faculty and will be expected to: (1) establish/continue a strong and ongoing agenda for research; (2) teach in both face-to-face and online environments, primarily at the graduate level, with opportunities to teach in the undergraduate program; (3) develop courses focused on AI, especially AI and libraries; and (4) mentor graduate students.
School and College Context The School of Information Science
— The iSchool at the University of South Carolina currently offers a Bachelor of Science in Information Science, an online Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), and a PhD in Library and Information Science. Our active faculty are members, scholars, and leaders within the American Library Association (ALA), Association for Information Science & Technology (ASIS&T), and Association of Library and Information Science Educators (ALISE). The MLIS program and school library program are nationally ranked in the top 20 by U.S. News & World Report.
The College of Information and Communications
— The CIC is home to two internationally recognized schools, the School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) and the School of Information Science, along with the new interdisciplinary unit of Information and Communication Studies. Together these entities advance research, teaching, and outreach across a wide spectrum of communication and information domains. The CIC combines communication, information science, and interdisciplinary study to advance information access and effective communication as cornerstones of self-governance and civic life. The college enrolls approximately 2,200 undergraduates and 500 graduate students and is supported by more than 150 faculty and staff. Facilities include the Social Media Insights Lab and the Biometric and User Experience Lab.
Required Education and Experience
Ph.D. in library and information studies or related field, plus relevant experience consistent with academic policy by the start date of employment (at least 5 years for Associate Professor or at least 9 years for Full Professor). ABDs will be considered, with the Ph.D. required at the time of appointment.
Evidence of a focused/established scholarly agenda (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential of building a scholarly agenda).
A record of research on AI (for assistant professor candidates, demonstrate the potential in this area), that explores design, practice, and ethical/societal implications of AI.
Evidence/potential to develop extramural funding.
Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinary research.
Preferred Qualifications
Ability to teach online courses at graduate level.
Ability to advise graduate students at the Master’s and Doctoral levels.
Desired Start Date 08/16/2026
Open Date and Application Job Open Date: 09/22/2025
Open Until Filled: Yes
Special Instructions to Applicant Applications are due by October 27, 2025. The position will remain open until filled. Candidates should be prepared to upload the following documents:
Letter of application that includes a research statement demonstrating AI as a core area of emphasis
Curriculum vitae
Two sample publications or pieces of scholarly work
List of three references (including name, phone number, and email)
Three letters of recommendation signed and on letterhead (only for candidates selected as finalists) should be emailed directly to Rachel Rolli at rachelrolli@sc.edu. While these letters are only required prior to interview, letters may be uploaded to USCJobs at the time of initial application.
Inquiries about this posting should be directed to Search Committee Chair Dr. Susan Rathbun-Grubb at SRATHBUN@mailbox.sc.edu.
Quicklink for Posting: https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/195146
EEO Statement The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.
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