Dean, Faculty of Information Studies

The University of Toronto invites applications, nominations and expressions of interest for the position of Dean of the Faculty of Information Studies (FIS).

 

Established in 1827 by royal charter, the University of Toronto is the largest and most prestigious research-intensive university in Canada, located in one of the world’s great cities. The University has more than 11,000 faculty and staff, some 70,000 students enrolled across three campuses, an annual budget of $1.7 billion, including $375 million in externally funded research and $425 million in research funding in the affiliated teaching hospitals, an endowment of $1.8 billion and one of the premier research university libraries in North America.

 

The Faculty of Information Studies aims to provide leadership in emerging information and communication practices, and continues to draw from established strengths in the stewardship of cultural heritage - libraries, archives, and museums. FIS approaches its mandate from a progressive, inclusive, and multicultural vantage point, reflective of Canada's role in the global community. These commitments position the Faculty as a premier information school with respect to issues of digital heritage, cultural curation, information technology and policy, communication, and associated information-intensive practices.

 

As a graduate Faculty, FIS offers professional and research master's degrees in Information Studies (MISt) and in Museum Studies (MMSt), a doctoral program across the breadth of the information field, a combined JD/MISt degree program with the Faculty of Law, a diploma program, and a strong continuing education program through its Professional Learning Centre. It is involved in eight collaborative programs, including Book History and Print Culture and Knowledge Media Design and will collaborate with the Faculty of Medicine on the proposed Master of Health Informatics. The Faculty is home to the Adaptive Technology Resource Centre (ATRC), the McLuhan program in Culture and Technology, and Inforum, the innovative and integrative library and lab. The Faculty attracted more than $2 million in external research funding in 2006-07. In addition, ATRC alone attracted an additional $2 million in external contract research funding. For more information, please visit the Faculty website at www.fis.utoronto.ca

 

The successful candidate will be a distinguished leader, with outstanding academic and professional achievements, and a record as an exemplary administrator, preferably with experience in advancement, building collaborative teams, and in relating to a range of external partners. The Dean will provide dynamic community, national and international leadership to enhance and augment the Faculty’s strategic mission and goals, and to realize the aspirations of the University of Toronto’s academic plan.

 

The Faculty of Information Studies is conducting three searches for tenured or tenure-track professors during academic year 2007-08, in parallel with the University's search for a new Dean for the Faculty.  FIS' approved Academic Plan envisages continued faculty growth over coming years, with as many as 10-12 more searches expected to be conducted during the 2008-12 time frame.

 

The University of Toronto is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from visible minority group members, women, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, members of sexual minority groups, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

 

Consideration of candidates will begin in January 2008, with the appointment of the successful candidate to take effect July 1, 2008. Applications including a letter of introduction, curriculum vitae, and five references (who will not be contacted without the consent of the applicant) should be forwarded, in confidence, to:

 

 

Laverne Smith & Associates Inc.

1 Yonge Street, Suite 1801

Toronto, ON M5E 1W7, Canada

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