Lead the Future of Librarianship: Director and Assoc Professor / Professor, School of Library Science at Marshall University

Are you a visionary leader ready to build a new era of library education in West Virginia? Marshall University, recognized by Forbes magazine as the fifth-best employer in West Virginia, invites applications for an exceptional leader to serve as Director and Professor of Library Science. This is a unique opportunity to lead and shape the future of library education, fostering a new graduate program, molding its curriculum to meet American Library Association (ALA) standards, and making substantial contributions to national conversations on libraries and library science education.

Your new home: Huntington, West Virginia, a vibrant city and a close-knit college town all in one, with a deep-seated sense of community. As the second-largest city in the state and the principal city of the Huntington, WV – Ashland, KY (and southern Ohio) metro area, Huntington is part of one of the largest inland ports in the U.S. Despite its urban characteristics, the entire metropolitan area is surrounded by natural beauty and an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities. For more information about the area, visit https://visithuntingtonwv.org/ .

Join the Herd: Marshall University, founded in 1837, is the heart and soul of the Huntington community. Its mission, providing innovative undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across 200 academic fields, is guided by a far-reaching, long-term vision focused on world-class learning and advancing the public good through initiatives like “Marshall for All, Marshall Forever.”

What we need from the impactful leader who will help us write this next chapter: This 12-month librarian track (Assistant Professor/Librarian II) faculty position offers the rare chance to build a legacy as Director of our new School of Library Science. Responsibilities include:

Lead curriculum development and ALA Accreditation : Coordinate activities to develop and refine a graduate curriculum that meets American Library Association (ALA) standards, including aiding in establishing ALA accreditation candidacy. This role is a direct path to engaging with the ALA for initial or reaccreditation efforts.

Program management & budget oversight : Oversee and manage the program’s operating budget, contributing to planning, fundraising, marketing, and recruitment, including overseeing MSLS adjuncts and staff.

Teaching & student success : Teach in the program as needed and collaborate on student advising, internships, and placements.

Strategic growth & student recruitment : Build community partnerships, contribute to the strategic direction, and develop strategies to recruit and retain students. Provide leadership and supervision to program faculty and staff, and engage in faculty governance and scholarly activities.

Outstanding benefits:

As a Marshall employee, you will benefit from outstanding benefit packages, including:

Around two weeks off for Winter Break each December.

13 paid holidays and generous annual/sick leave.

Comprehensive health coverage through PEIA.

Retirement plans through TIAA.

Tuition benefits for regular employees and their dependent children (after a short probationary period).

A supportive environment with resources like the Employee Assistance Program and the Office of the Ombuds to navigate the work environment. A supportive environment, backed by our innovative president: You will be empowered by incredible institutional and community support, exemplified by President Brad D. Smith. A proud West Virginia native and Marshall alumnus, President Smith, a former Silicon Valley CEO, is committed to “leveling the playing field in West Virginia and in Appalachia”. His dedication is profound, demonstrated by significant personal donations and initiatives to attract new talent and foster entrepreneurship, ensuring you have the unwavering support needed to build a truly impactful program.

This is more than a job; it’s a rare and exciting ground-floor opportunity to marshal, craft, and participate in the future of library education at a university deeply committed to excellence, its faculty, staff, students, and the wider community.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, your curriculum vitae, unofficial college transcripts, and the names and contact information for three references.

Open until filled; review of applications will begin August 15, 2025.

Rank and salary commensurate with experience

Location MU - Marshall University Salary Range Salary is commensurate with qualifications, experience, and internal equity. Qualifications Must be able to perform all essential job duties as outlined in the job description. Required Qualifications Education · An earned doctorate (ABD may be considered based on the candidate’s completion timeline)· Master’s degree in library science from an accredited institution

Experience · Minimum of two years’ experience working in a library· Teaching experience· Budget management experience· Experience in accreditation in higher education institutions· Excellent written and oral communication skills

Preferred Qualifications Education Experience · Teaching experience in higher education· Experience with online learning tools and platforms· Supervisory experience

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