Assistant Professor, Probationary Teaching Scholar Stream - Library Theory & Practice

Position Profile:

Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, and the Lūnaapéewak, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

The Faculty of Information and Media Studies (FIMS) at Western University seeks a probationary Teaching Scholar Stream colleague at the rank of Assistant Professor whose research, scholarship, and professional expertise are in the area of library theory and practice, including (though not limited to) public, academic, government, and special library services in physical and virtual spaces. Our new colleague’s primary teaching responsibilities will be in our Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) program, known for its library research and training.

Our MLIS program is widely recognized as one of the best of its kind in North America. We provide a strong foundation in librarianship in a range of settings together with an opportunity to engage with innovative ideas, technologies, and new information practices. Western's MLIS program has been in good standing with the ALA since 1969 and was re-accredited in 2026. Our curriculum is grounded in commitments to centering communities, intellectual freedom, privacy, and critical thinking in decision making and information literacy. We directly engage with practitioners and professional and scholarly associations to advance research and practice in the information professions. Western’s MLIS offers unmatched flexibility with hybrid or fully online study, as well as an exceptional paid co-op program.

Academic Expectations:

We seek a colleague who can contribute to students’ development of core professional competencies in library and information design, management, systems, ethics, and the social context of library development and futures. More specifically, we expect our new colleague to be able to teach in two or more of the following areas: information organization, curation, and access; information sources and services; managing libraries and information organizations; perspectives in library and information science. 

Teaching Scholars are expected to engage in Scholarship Activities that broaden the scope of their educational responsibilities and to share this expertise with their colleagues in their communities. Scholarship Activities include but are not limited to: curriculum development and evaluation; educational leadership; mentoring; presentations and scholarship on teaching or pedagogy; and research into the efficacy of different pedagogical approaches. Preference will be given to applicants engaging in scholarship related to online or hybrid LIS education.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required:

We are open to applicants with doctoral degrees in a range of fields. These could include a PhD in Library and Information Science or in a cognate area, plus evidence of experience with and commitment to libraries (e.g., an MLIS degree in combination with a cognate doctorate and professional library experience). It is essential that our new colleague be prepared to teach core professional courses to our MLIS students and to help shape our evolving curriculum. Our students go on to contribute to public, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in a range of librarianship and information management roles.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in hand or near completion; an excellent academic record and demonstrated achievement or promise in scholarship; teaching experience at the University level; preparedness to teach in-person and on-line; and the ability and willingness to contribute to the intellectual and scholarly life of the field, the Faculty, the University, and the London community. As a campus committed to equity, inclusion, Indigenization, decolonization, access and community engagement, a record of teaching or the capacity to teach a diverse group of students and engage a multicultural community is essential. In an MLIS program that admits students three times a year (in September, January and May), teaching may be assigned in Summer (plus Fall or Winter). 

Affirmation Policy Statement

Western, like many postsecondary institutions in Canada, is moving beyond sole reliance upon Indigenous self-identification in its hiring processes. This is to safeguard against the use of incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information in circumstances in which a candidate has made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership. Candidates who are invited for an interview or who are short-listed, and who have made a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership for material advantage at Western, including where required or preferred for the position, will be asked to have their declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership affirmed through a relational accountability process, led by the Office of Indigenous Initiatives (OII), that is consistent with Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Please contact the OII directly for details on the affirmation processes: https://indigenous.uwo.ca/. The policy can be viewed at: POLICY 1.58 - Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership at Western University.

The Faculty:

FIMS is a vibrant, interdisciplinary faculty dedicated to the advancement of knowledge about media, communication, and information.  At the Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral levels, we study technologies, systems, histories, and practices to understand the role of information and media in democratic processes and institutional and community life.  We connect our scholarship and research creation to the social and cultural determinants of power and agency in media and information contexts. For more information about our programs, please visit the FIMS website. https://www.fims.uwo.ca/

The University:

Western University delivers an academic experience second to none. Western challenges the best and brightest faculty, staff and students to commit to the highest global standards. Our research excellence expands knowledge and drives discovery with real-world application. Western attracts individuals with a broad worldview, seeking to study, influence and lead in the international community. Since 1878, The Western Experience has combined academic excellence with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social and cultural growth in order to better serve our communities.

To Apply:

The anticipated start date is 1 July 2027. Interested applicants are invited to submit a complete application package, as a single PDF file, containing the following:

1. Application for Full-Time Faculty Position Form:
2. A cover letter which includes: a research statement a statement of teaching philosophy and capacity for teaching (a) library theory and practice (b) in-person and online, and (c) in a program that prioritizes equity, inclusion, Indigenization, decolonization, access and community engagement
3. A detailed Curriculum Vitae
4. A writing sample not longer than 25 published pages and/or a selective portfolio of work in research creation, where applicable
5. The names, titles and email addresses of three academic referees, though one referee may be an information professional who has supervised the applicant  

Electronic applications are preferred and should be submitted in one PDF file (in the sequence above) YOURLASTNAME_UWO_MLISCTS2026 to

Susan Knabe, Acting Dean

Faculty of Information and Media Studies

FIMS and Nursing Building Western University London, ON, Canada N6A 5B9

fimsdeanapps@uwo.ca

Review of applications will begin on 15 November 2026, and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Existing Vacancy Disclosure Statement: This position is an existing vacancy.

Positions are subject to budget approval. Applicants should have fluent written and oral communications skills in English. The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Lilianne Dang at ldang4@uwo.ca