• Closes on Sunday, March 05, 2023
• University of Toronto Libraries, Toronto, ON
• Full Time (Contract)
• POSITION: Accessibility & Resource Sharing Librarian (Librarian I/II; contractually-limited term appointment)
• DEPARTMENT: User Services
• DATE REQUIRED: As soon as possible

Are you looking for challenging, meaningful work in a supportive and diverse environment? Are you looking for a career at one of Canada’s top employers? Work where the world comes to think, discover and learn. Consider a career at the University of Toronto.

About the University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is consistently ranked in the top ten among academic research libraries in North America. The system consists of 40 libraries located on three university campuses: St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of over 300 graduate programs, more than 70 professional programs, and about 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 12 million volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to millions of electronic resources in various forms and over 31,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year. The Libraries’ data centre houses more than 500 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes.

The Opportunity

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) is seeking a knowledgeable, innovative, and user-centered librarian to assume leadership in the area of accessibility services for a 1-year term to cover for a leave. As the librarian responsible for accessibility services, you will play a key advocacy role within the UTL system and the University, ensuring that accessibility is a fundamental consideration in all UTL functions, including library services, spaces, and collections. With the support of the Accessibility & Senior Access Services Associate, in collaboration with various stakeholders, and in consultation with the Head, User Services, you will work proactively to ensure that students, staff, and faculty members with accessibility considerations have the services they need to succeed in their library endeavours. You will play a key role in supporting the learning of colleagues across UTL in the areas of accessibility and universal design. You will report to the Head, User Services.

Additionally, you will collaborate with the Resource Sharing Librarian and Downsview Coordinator and the Robarts Library Resource Sharing team to provide barrier-free access for members of the UofT community to requesting services including Library Pickup, Scan & Deliver and Interlibrary Loan.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Overseeing UTL’s accessible format services, including providing workflow supervision for unionized staff (CUPE1230)
• Managing UTL’s contributions to Scholars Portal ACE (Accessible Content E-Portal), a large repository of books in different accessible formats developed to support users with print disabilities at participating Ontario post-secondary institutions
• Monitoring the relevant provincial and federal accessibility legislation, standards, guidelines, and policies such as the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and assessing their impact on the Library and the University
• Liaising with a variety of partners including but not limited to the University’s AODA Office and Accessibility Services, Scholars Portal, and other partner libraries
• Consulting and collaborating with student groups, Library, and University colleagues to ensure that accessible resources and services are meeting or exceeding user needs
• Participating in the delivery of requesting services including Library Pickup, Scan & Deliver and Interlibrary Loan

Representative Projects

You will develop and deliver a robust series of asynchronous learning modules and synchronous in-person and virtual training sessions to increase staff awareness about accessibility services, best practices, and issues, as well as the principles of Universal Design. Modules and training will help build staff capacity across UTL in a variety of areas, including teaching, collection development, and customer service.

You will also collaborate with a variety of colleagues and stakeholders to examine signage throughout the Robarts building, and to develop recommendations on making signage and wayfinding more accessible.

This search aligns with the University’s commitment to strategically and proactively promote diversity among our community members (Statement on Equity, Diversity & Excellence). Recognizing that Black, Indigenous, and other Racialized communities have experienced inequities that have developed historically and are ongoing, we strongly welcome and encourage candidates from those communities to apply.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A degree from an accredited Master’s level program in library and information studies
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, anti-racism and accessibility
• Demonstrated knowledge of adaptive technologies, software, formats and their associated best practices
• Proven knowledge of AODA and related accessibility legislation, standards, guidelines, and policies
• Strong knowledge about emerging trends related to accessibility services, web design, and adaptive workspaces
• A flexible, creative, proactive, and empathetic approach to the delivery of user-centered services
• Outstanding interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and application of the principles of effective teaching and learning
• Strong initiative, organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• Ability to work effectively as both a team member and independently

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience or knowledge related to accessibility supports
• Experience supervising in a unionized environment
• Experience working in an academic library
• Familiarity with Alma Ex Libris
• Knowledge of copyright, in the context of resource sharing

Salary and Terms of Appointment:

It is anticipated that this position will be filled at the Librarian I or II level, subject to review and experience. Minimum salary: LIB I: $71,451; LIB II: $74,553 (Salary is dependent on rank at hire and qualifications). This is a 1-year contractually-limited term appointment to cover a leave.

Benefits: We offer generous benefits packages to all employees. Additional information is available at:
https://people.utoronto.ca/careers/benefits/

Additional information

Librarians at the University of Toronto are members of the University of Toronto Faculty Association.

How to Apply

Application Materials Required: A cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references of which at least two have supervised your work. Please send a single electronic file (MS Word or pdf) with a file name convention of [Surname,FirstName. ACCESSRSLIBRARIAN] to Library Human Resources at utlhr@utoronto.ca; or to Room 1140, 130 St. George Street, University of Toronto Libraries, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A5; by March 5, 2023.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Diversity Statements

The University of Toronto embraces Diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases our capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of our global community. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. We value applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening our academic mission.

University of Toronto Libraries’ Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Statement:
https://www.library.utoronto.ca/inclusion-diversity-and-equity-statement

University of Toronto Libraries’ Anti-Racism Statement:
https://www.library.utoronto.ca/anti-racism-statement

Accessibility Statement

The University strives to be an equitable and inclusive community, and proactively seeks to increase diversity among its community members. Our values regarding equity and diversity are linked with our unwavering commitment to excellence in the pursuit of our academic mission.

The University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). As such, we strive to make our recruitment, assessment and selection processes as accessible as possible and provide accommodations as required for applicants with disabilities. If you require any accommodations at any point during the application and hiring process, please contact utlhr@utoronto.ca.

The University of Toronto Libraries thanks all applicants but will only contact applicants selected for an interview.

University of Toronto Library System:
http://onesearch.library.utoronto.ca/

University of Toronto:
https://people.utoronto.ca/

Policies for librarians:
https://people.utoronto.ca/policies/