The School of Library and Information Science at the University of South Carolina-Columbia, ( http://www.libsci.sc.edu/ ) seeks an outstanding candidate to fill a tenure-track position in children's and youth services and literacy. The Augusta Baker Chair—named for an internationally-known pioneer in children's literature and former USC Storyteller-in-Residence—is the first academic chair at the University honoring an African-American female. The Augusta Baker Chair is currently endowed at $1.5 million with the goal of reaching $3 million dollars. This distinguished professorship seeks a scholar and activist who is passionate about providing national and state leadership in the teaching, research, and service missions of the School of Library and Information Science.
We seek a colleague who is not only enthusiastic about joining a team of dedicated professionals involved in established professional networks, but is also interested in a challenging and rewarding position that affords new opportunities for collaboration. The successful candidate will be able to articulate how they might embody the legacy that is uniquely Augusta Baker. The newly-appointed Chair will be actively involved in research and fund development with the South Carolina Center for Children's Books and Literacy - a facility dedicated to research, development, and community involvement. The SLIS-MLIS program is fully accredited by the American Library Association (ALA), and approved by the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE).
In addition to holding a Ph.D. or equivalent, applicants for this unique position are expected to exhibit the following qualifications:
• A record of academic achievement commensurate with appointment as a tenured associate or full professor;
• A significant research agenda, including a demonstrated publishing and funding record in the area of childhood/youth literacy;
• Excellence in teaching;
• A record of experience with the latest trends and issues in research and service to children and youth;
• An outstanding record of public service working with literacy and youth organizations;
• Leadership and the ability to effectively articulate the importance of childhood literacy to the professional and academic communities;
• A demonstrated commitment to cultural diversity.
The review of applications and nominations for the position will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Salary is fully competitive.
The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a culturally diverse faculty, staff, and student body, and responsive to the needs of dual career couples.
Applicants should send a letter of intent (including research and teaching interests), curricula vitae including the names of three references and at least two samples of their recent publications (attachments should be in PDF or .doc format) to:
Dr. Pat Feehan, Chair
Augusta Baker Endowed Chair in Childhood Literacy Search Committee
School of Library and Information Science
Davis College Room 113
1501 Greene Street
University of South Carolina
Columbia , SC 29208 .
Phone: (803) 777-3858; FAX: (803) 777-7938
pfeehan@gwm.sc.edu (please put Baker Chair in the subject line)
search committee | more about Augusta Baker
