Assistant Professor or Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Science

Simmons College Company; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 76,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) seeks an Assistant or Associate Professor for a Fall 2027 tenure-track appointment. The role includes teaching on campus in Boston and online, with a focus on children’s and young adult literature, library services for youth, and equity in information access.

We encourage applicants with an emerging or active research program in library and information science, and responsibilities include service, curriculum development, and

Qualifications

• PhD in library and information science or related discipline
• Record of teaching in higher education commensurate with rank
• Emerging research agenda for Assistant Professor, clearly defined research agenda for Associate Professor
• Emerging record of publications in peer-reviewed literature

Responsibilities

• Participating as a team member in curriculum development and maintenance
• Participating in program, department, college, and university meetings
• Participating in faculty governance and program evaluation

Skills

Children's literature

Young adult literature

Library services for children

Early childhood literacy

Storytelling

Family engagement

Youth information behavior

Emerging technologies

Inclusive library services

School library teaching

Education

PhD in library and information science

Job description

ABOUT SIMMONS

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University has a strong tradition of empowering women and challenging traditional gender roles. Simmons was founded for equality 125 years ago as one of the first higher education institutions dedicated to helping women become leaders. Today, our university continues to grow and evolve and now offers Boston’s only women’s undergraduate program and graduate programs open to all. You’re joining our community at an especially exciting time as we continue to innovate for the future. Simmons recently launched a six-school academic structure that leverages our expert faculty and longstanding expertise in professions that make our communities stronger. In addition, we continue to highlight our high-value education proposition that is delivering greater ROI to students and putting them on the fast track to career growth and success. You’ll find that people who work here truly believe in our mission of preparing students to become social justice-oriented leaders who excel in their professions and their communities. This commitment and pride make for a dynamic workplace. As a university that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Simmons University’s School of Library and Information Science (SLIS) seeks a dedicated scholar and teacher to fill an Assistant Professor or Associate Professor faculty position (tenure track) to start in Fall 2027. Applicants should be able to teach both on campus in Boston and online.

Expertise and Teaching Expectations

• Children's and young adult literature, collections, and materials
• Library programs and services for children and adolescents
• Early childhood literacy, storytelling, and family engagement
• Additional expertise in youth information behavior, emerging technologies, inclusive library services, and school library teaching is desirable.

Research Expectations

We seek candidates with an emerging or active research agenda in library and information science.

• Children's and adolescents' information behavior and practices
• Youth engagement with emerging technologies and digital environments
• Early childhood literacy and family information practices
• Equity and access to information for diverse youth populations

We particularly welcome research that connects children's and young adult library services with broader developments in library and information science.

Service Responsibilities

• Participating as a team member in curriculum development and maintenance
• Participating in program, department, college, and university meetings, committees, and activities
• Participating in faculty governance and program evaluation

Required Qualifications

• PhD in library and information science or related discipline
• Record of teaching in higher education commensurate with rank
• Emerging research agenda for Assistant Professor, clearly defined research agenda for Associate Professor, with potential for sustained growth and external funding
• Emerging record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature for Assistant Professor, defined record of publications in the peer-reviewed literature for Associate Professor

Terms of Service

This is a Boston-based 10 month tenure-track role. Consistent with the Faculty Policy Manual (FPM), tenure-track faculty are expected to teach six courses per year or the equivalent as approved by the Dean.

Salary Range

Assistant Professor: $75,600 - $92,400 Associate Professor: $85,500 - $104,500 In accordance with applicable pay transparency laws effective October 29, 2025, Simmons University is committed to pay equity, transparency and clear communication throughout the hiring process. This is a benefits-eligible position. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as experience, education, skills, equity, and external market benchmarks that help guide compensation decisions. Our compensation philosophy is centered around a comprehensive package that includes pay, health benefits, and retirement savings offerings that can be seen here, as well as work-life balance initiatives such as flexible hours and remote work opportunities. We are committed to offering a package that empowers individuals to thrive in their roles, contribute meaningfully, and lead with confidence.

Simmons University is committed to inclusive excellence in all aspects of an individual’s community experience. As a university committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Simmons encourages applications from all under-represented groups. Simmons is committed to creating, developing, promoting, and enhancing inclusive hiring practices–at all levels, for all positions–ensuring diverse talent pools and the delivery of a consistent positive candidate experience. Simmons is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to continuing to develop a more diverse faculty, staff, student body, and curriculum.

Located in Boston’s historic Fenway area, Simmons University is a small, private, non-sectarian University which has educated students for enriching careers and purposeful lives since 1899. Working at Simmons means joining a collaborative, diverse and mission-driven community of educators and professionals. We prepare students to be leaders for themselves, their communities and the world. Our faculty and staff members lead by example — sharing a commitment to excellence and putting the students first.

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