Assistant Professor (Open Rank) - Workforce Competencies Librarian

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Position Description:

The University of Louisville Libraries seeks enthusiastic candidates for the new tenure-track position of Workforce Competencies Librarian. As a member of Ekstrom Library’s highly collaborative Research Assistance and Instruction Department, the successful candidate will contribute to the ongoing development and implementation of library services, programs, and resources that support workforce competencies, lifelong learning, and the effective use of generative artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. The position reports to the Coordinator of Engaged Learning and participates actively in library programs dedicated to engaged and experiential learning.

The Workforce Competencies Librarian will work with undergraduate and graduate students across disciplines to strengthen transferable, career-relevant skills. The Workforce Competencies Librarian will help build collaborative relationships with faculty and campus partners to raise awareness of information tools relevant to professional practice and will contribute to co-curricular library programming that fosters career readiness, workforce preparation, and lifelong learning in alignment with institutional priorities. A particular emphasis will be placed on helping students understand and apply AI-enabled research and productivity tools in academic, professional, and workplace contexts, preparing them to navigate an increasingly complex and technology-driven information landscape.

We encourage entry-level candidates and others with an interest in workforce development, information literacy, and emerging technologies to apply, regardless of previous subject or technical specialization. You do not need to be an expert in AI to apply for this position. Ekstrom Library’s Research Assistance and Instruction Department (RAI) is already engaged in a number of AI- and workforce-related initiatives, and we are excited to mentor and collaborate with the successful candidate as we continue to expand services that support student success, professional readiness, and lifelong learning. We are also active researchers in engaged learning, AI education, information literacy, and related areas, and we provide extensive support and collaboration opportunities for librarians new to publishing and other professional activities.

Primary Responsibilities

• Teach in RAI’s instruction program and contribute to departmental student success efforts, supporting work-based learning and the integration of workforce competencies (i.e. KYCPE 10 Essential Skills) in both curricular and co-curricular library programs.
• Design and deliver workshops, learning objects, and instructional materials that help students develop and apply AI skills and information tools in academic, professional, and workplace contexts, with attention to responsible and ethical use.
• Collaborate with faculty in relevant programs to support student learning and skill development in preparation for professional certification and licensure.
• Work with RAI librarians to expand departmental knowledge of AI tools, workplace technologies, and digital research practices, and participate in curriculum mapping, instructional design, and assessment projects.
• Contribute to RAI’s growing selection of advanced Scholar Services for faculty and graduate students, with a focus on AI-enhanced research approaches and data-informed decision-making.
• Work closely with the Coordinator of Engaged Learning to support Libraries-wide engaged learning initiatives and collaborations with relevant campus and community partners, with an emphasis on workforce development, applied learning, and regional innovation initiatives.
• Engage in research, service, and professional development activities as a tenure-track faculty member.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited program (or international equivalent) in library or information science, or a Master’s degree in a field related to the position.
• Education, experience, and/or strong interest in teaching, workforce development, and artificial intelligence.
• Enthusiasm for learning about new and emerging technologies.
• Demonstrated excellence in candidate's own workforce competencies, including verbal and written communication.
• Creative and flexible mindset with an ability to successfully collaborate with others.
• Potential to meet the University Libraries criteria for promotion and tenure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting career development and/or work-based learning.
• Experience teaching and developing instructional materials for in person and online settings.
• Experience and/or familiarity with digital research practices and emerging trends in workforce development and AI education.

Additional Information:

This is an entry-level, tenure-track faculty position at the rank of Instructor or Assistant Professor with a 12-month annual contract. Minimum salary for Instructor is $55,000 per year; the minimum for Assistant Professor is $60,000 per year. Entry rank and salary are negotiated at the time of offer and are dependent on the experience, professional achievement and assigned rank of the successful candidate. The successful candidate will receive a comprehensive benefits package, an annual vacation of 22 working days, and support for professional development.  Promotion and tenure require demonstration of scholarship and successfully satisfying other criteria.

The University Libraries are committed to creating campus environments that support the success of all students and employees. We believe that employees who feel valued and respected will create policies, programs, practices, research agendas, and services that effectively meet the needs and exceed the expectations of our student populations.  We encourage candidates to apply who have demonstrated the capacity to create supportive work environments, collaborate effectively on teams, and serve the students we admit and aim to attract.

The University of Louisville is a Carnegie Research/High university and a recipient of the Carnegie Community Engagement classification for Curricular Engagement & Outreach and Partnerships. The University has a national reputation for its high-quality undergraduate program; over twenty nationally recognized research, graduate, and professional programs; 23,000 graduate and undergraduate students; and a strong commitment to the community in which it resides. UofL is in the state’s largest urban area.

Most notably recognized for Muhammad Ali, the Louisville Slugger, and the Kentucky Derby, Louisville is a compassionate, progressive home to nearly 1 million people from around the world. The richness of its history and the diversity of its communities make Louisville an ideal place to live, work, and play. Louisville offers hospitality, originality, and smaller-city advantages like shorter commutes and lower cost of living, alongside major city amenities like world-class performing arts, great sports, incredible dining, a nationally ranked public school system, and a nationally acclaimed parks system. Centrally located on the banks of the Ohio River and Interstate highways I-65, I-71, and I-64, Louisville is merely hours away from major cities like Chicago, Nashville, St. Louis, and Atlanta; however, there is no need to travel far with iconic attractions and unique experiences only Louisville can offer.

The application review period begins on April 20, 2026, and applications are accepted until the position is filled. Submit AS ONE PDF a letter of interest detailing your familiarity, aptitude, and/or experience with the position qualifications; CV/resume; and name, address, phone number, and e-mail address of three references via the online application at UofL’s Workday Career site.

If you have questions or would like assistance with the application process, please contact Alexandra Howard, Coordinator of Engaged Learning, alexandra.howard.1@louisville.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Louisville is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. The University strives to provide equal employment opportunity on the basis of merit and without unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, sex, age, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, veteran status, marital status, or pregnancy. In accordance with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veteran Readjustment Act of 1974, the University prohibits job discrimination of individuals with disabilities, Vietnam era veterans, qualified special disabled veterans, recently separated veterans, and other protected veterans. The University acknowledges its obligations to ensure affirmative steps are taken to ensure equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. It is the policy of the University that no employee or applicant for employment be subject to unlawful discrimination in terms of recruitment, hiring, promotion, contract, contract renewal, tenure, compensation, benefits, and/or working conditions. No employee or applicant for employment is required to endorse or condemn a specific ideology, political viewpoint, or social viewpoint to be eligible for hiring, contract renewal, tenure, or promotion.

Consistent with applicable law, demographic information is collected for aggregate reporting requirements. Demographic information provided through this application is not available to hiring managers/committees and is not considered in hiring or employment decisions.

Assistance and Accommodations

Computers are available for application submission at the Human Resources Department located at 215 Central Avenue, Ste 205 - Louisville, Kentucky 40208.

If you require assistance or accommodation with our online application process, please contact us by email at employment@louisville.edu or by phone 502-852-6258.