Assistant Professor of Instruction - Library and Information Science

About the job

The School of Information at the University of South Florida seeks to fill a 9-month, full-time, non-tenure-earning, Assistant Professor of Instruction position. The ideal candidate will be a committed educator with demonstrated success in librarianship, including public, academic, or archival settings and will have demonstrated engagement with LIS communities at the appropriate levels.

Preference will be given to applicants who can teach a range of courses in public or academic librarianship, archival studies, special collections, and who have experience effectively teaching in an online environment as the main course instructor.

Salary is negotiable. Appointment is expected to begin August 7, 2027 (Fall 2027 semester).

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications-

• Earned Ph.D. in Library and Information Studies (LIS) or a closely related field, based on education and professional experience that meet national and/or regional accreditation standards.
• Ability to meet all requirements for appointment to a nine-month, full-time, non-tenure-earning instructional faculty position.
• For ABD applicants: completion and conferral of the doctoral degree before the appointment start date of August 7, 2027.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in online teaching and learning environments with experience serving as the primary instructor of record in online courses.

Preferred Qualifications-

• Demonstrated commitment to teaching and student success.

• Demonstrated professional experience in one or more library or information settings, including:

• Public libraries

• Academic libraries

• Archives

• Demonstrated engagement with LIS professional communities.

• Ability to teach a range of courses in:

• Public librarianship

• Academic librarianship

• Archival studies

• Special collections

Application Instructions-

Each applicant should submit the following:

• A statement of interest (not more than 1500 words) that includes information about teaching philosophy and teaching interests
• CV
• A list of the names and contact information for three references

*Optional material may be included with a URL for online portfolio materials.

Additional questions about this position should be directed to the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Denise Shereff, dshereff@usf.edu.

Application reviews will begin immediately, with preference for applicants submitting by January 5, 2027. The review process will continue until the position is filled.

About the School of Information-

The USF School of Information (SI) is housed in the College of Arts and Sciences, which consists of 23 academic departments and a number of highly collaborative and interdisciplinary centers and institutes. The School of Information enjoys a strong tradition of educating information professionals in a variety of settings. The School currently offers four degree programs: a M.A. in Library and Information Science, which has been continually accredited by the American Library Association since 1974; and STEM-based programs in M.S. in Intelligence Studies, which offers concentrations in Cyber Intelligence and Strategic Intelligence; a M.S. in Cybersecurity Intelligences and Information Security; and a B.S. in Information Science with available concentrations in Data Science and Analytics, Information Security, Health Informatics, Web Development Technologies, and Intelligence Analysis.

Conclusion of this search is subject to final budget approval.  According to Florida Law, applications and meetings regarding them are open to the public.  USF is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Institution.  For disability accommodations, contact Geneva Jones at 813-974-3522 or gljones1@usf.edu  a minimum of five working days in advance.

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and USF Health. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report recognized USF with its highest overall ranking in university history, as a top 50 public university for the seventh consecutive year and as one of the top 15 best values among all public universities in the nation. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine in the highest tier, placing it as one of the top 16 medical schools in the nation and inside the top 10 among public universities. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $750 million in research funding in 2025 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of nearly $10 billion for the state of Florida. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

About Us

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.

Additional Information

• Job Identification: 44637
• Job Category: Faculty
• Posting Date: 2026-10-26
• Locations: 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL, 33620, US
• Hiring Salary: Negotiable
• Essential Personnel: No