Indigenous Knowledge, Open Ranked Faculty Position

The School of Library and Information Studies (SLIS) at the University of Oklahoma (OU) seeks an innovative scholar in the area of Indigenous knowledge for an open rank, tenured/tenure track faculty position. SLIS is expanding its strengths in Indigenous knowledge scholarship through innovative teaching, research, and service. Indigenous knowledge is an interdisciplinary area that includes, for example, Indigenous librarianship; Indigenous policy development for libraries, archives, and museums; the importance of Indigenous knowledge systems in providing services and resources to Indigenous people; culturally appropriate management of collections and services; cultural and knowledge preservation; impact of technology on Indigenous knowledge systems; Indigenous people’s interactions with technologies and the digital divide; Indigenous data sovereignty; decolonization and social justice in information studies; Indigenous knowledge and decolonizing through critical information literacy, and Indigenous approaches to information. OU’s burgeoning Native Nations Center offers numerous programs including scholarly research related to Indigenous populations such as tribal/community engagement; the documentation, preservation, and revitalization of Indigenous languages; tribal education; cultural preservation, revitalization, and continuance; health, wellness, health disparities and healing among Indigenous populations; and more.

The successful applicant for this position will join the OU SLIS faculty in the education of undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students in various capacities including teaching courses, supervising independent courses, advising, and serving on students’ committees. The teaching responsibilities include two courses per semester. A successful candidate for this position will be able to teach Master of Library and Information Studies required core courses and develop new courses such as, for example, Indigenous Knowledge in the Information Environment, LIS Services and Resources for Indigenous Communities, and Critical Perspectives and Social Justice in LIS.

The faculty member will conduct scholarly research resulting in publications in peer reviewed journals, book chapters, edited books, books, and conference papers. Seeking opportunities for internal and external funding is also expected. Additionally, the candidate will be committed to engagement in service to the profession and in the shared governance within the university.

This position is based on the Norman campus and will begin August 16, 2022. The salary is competitive and is commensurate with qualifications and experience. The University of Oklahoma offers an excellent benefits program. For further benefits information please access the Human Resources website at http://hr.ou.edu/. 

Context 

The University of Oklahoma, and particularly the Dodge Family College of Art and Sciences, has invested heavily in Native American academics and scholarship. Faculty engaged in Native American topics are both concentrated in the Native Nations Center and Department of Native American Studies, and diffused across campus in a broad range of disciplines. As well, the OU Libraries’ Western History Collections and the Sam Noble Museum of Natural History’s Native Americans Languages Collection hold an extensive assemblage of Native American materials such as oral histories, manuscripts, photographs, newspapers/journals, and ephemera. With this faculty hire, SLIS will be joining in and contributing to this area of institutional emphasis. The faculty member hired will have ample opportunity to build community and collaborate with scholars in a variety of departments and disciplines.  

Oklahoma is home to 39 federally recognized Native American tribes, more than any other state. Nearly 10% of the state’s population identifies as Native American or Alaska Native (9.4%, Census Bureau estimates 2019). Oklahoma is also home to museums/centers around the state that represent Indigenous populations: the newly-opened First Americans Museum, the Chickasaw Cultural Center, the Cherokee Heritage Center, etc. An Indigenous knowledge scholar would be situated within Oklahoma’s extraordinary Native American landscape, where community research could contribute both to OU and to the needs and issues of community partners. 

Norman, Oklahoma, located 20 miles south of Oklahoma City, enjoys more than 225 days of sunshine each year and often ranks highly on “best places to live” rankings. The city offers a culturally rich and vibrant environment that includes outstanding schools, a low cost of living, and an excellent array of dining, arts, recreation, and sporting events.  

The School of Library and Information Studies at the University of Oklahoma was established in 1929 and is situated within the Dodge Family College of Arts and Sciences. It has recently become an affiliate member of the iSchool consortium. The School has faculty in residence at both the Norman and Tulsa campuses, and faculty teach students at both locations, and online students in a variety of locations. The School has a long-standing MLIS and Bachelor of Arts, along with a new Ph.D. in Information Studies, a new Bachelor of Science, and several new graduate certificate programs.  

The University of Oklahoma is a Carnegie R1 public research university known for excellence in teaching, research, and community engagement. We embrace and encourage creativity and innovation in Oklahoma and beyond. 

Qualifications

Research 

Successful candidates will (depending on rank): 

• Have a record of, or the potential for, research and scholarship in Indigenous knowledge, with current publications and a passion for developing innovative and cross-cutting research, publishing, participating in scholarly conferences, and pursuing external grant funding 
• Work collaboratively with internal and external faculty on cross-disciplinary Indigenous knowledge related projects 
• Show impact through external and internal grant funding, scholarly recognition through expected channels such as citations by other researchers as measured by bibliometrics/altmetrics, invited lectures and presentations, and through awards (best conference paper, association awards, etc.) 

Teaching and Service 

Successful candidates will be able to: 

• Teach required and elective courses for SLIS undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly in the MLIS required core course set 
• Develop new Indigenous knowledge courses to expand and strengthen the SLIS academic programs 
• Help guide the continual improvement of current degree programs 
• Advise master’s and Ph.D. students 
• Serve on departmental, college, and university committees 
• Be actively involved in local, national, and international scholarly/professional library and information science organizations 
• Have interest and experience in the design and delivery of courses in a variety of formats including on-campus, interactive video, online, and blended 

Required Qualifications 

• A completed doctorate in library and information science or a related discipline by August 16, 2022 
• An active and productive research program focused on Indigenous knowledge related issues, commensurate to rank of candidate 
• Knowledge of Indigenous knowledge issues and research areas 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Knowledge and skills essential to conducting research and teaching related to Indigenous knowledge 
• Evidence of excellence in teaching in both online and face to face environments, and using course management platforms 
• Experience with collaborative, cross-disciplinary research and a record of, or potential for, extramural funding 
• Leadership in research, instruction, and/or service 
• MLIS degree and/or experience working in an environment that engages Indigenous communities in information resources and services 

Applications 

Applications should be submitted to https://apply.interfolio.com/96686 and should include a curriculum vitae; names of three references; a statement of research interests and how the candidate would contribute to the research and teaching agenda of SLIS, specifically in the development of Indigenous knowledge research and courses in the SLIS programs. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Dr. Ellen Rubenstein at erubenstein@ou.edu. 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Oklahoma, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, age, religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes, but is not limited to:  admissions, employment, financial aid, housing, services in educational programs or activities, or health care services that the University operates or provides.

Diversity Statement 

The University of Oklahoma is committed to achieving a diverse, equitable and inclusive university community by recognizing each person's unique contributions, background, and perspectives. The University of Oklahoma strives to cultivate a sense of belonging and emotional support for all, recognizing that fostering an inclusive environment for all is vital in the pursuit of academic and inclusive excellence in all aspects of our institutional mission.

Vaccination Statement 

The University of Oklahoma complies with the Federal COVID-19 vaccine requirement for all employees. All current and future employees must provide proof of full vaccination or request an accommodation for exemption from the Federal requirement. For detailed information regarding this requirement, visit https://hr.ou.edu/News/Coronavirus-COVID-19-Information.