Closes on Sunday, September 03, 2023
The University of Toronto Libraries
Toronto, ON
Full Time (Permanent)

POSITION: Research & Engagement Librarian (Librarian I/II; Permanent Status Stream)
DEPARTMENT: OISE Library
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 (UTL) 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 600 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes.

About the OISE Library

The library of the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE Library) at the University of Toronto supports teacher education, graduate studies, professional development, and research in the field of education. The relationships between research, theory, and practice require a unique collection of library resources and services. The library has the largest collection of education materials in Canada, including a robust research collection, current and historical curriculum materials and textbooks, media materials, and children’s literature. Our research collection represents the educational literature in its broadest sense, covering the full spectrum of human cognitive development and lifelong learning with strengths in higher education, adult education, social justice education, critical anti-racism, gender studies, and Indigenous education. In addition to our collections, staff and librarians at the OISE Library are engaged in providing in-depth research services, customized library instruction, and support for all aspects of research, teaching, and learning for the OISE community, education practitioners, and the public.

The Opportunity

 This position is aimed at an early career information professional who is dedicated to user-centered library work and eager to contribute to a range of library initiatives in a medium-sized academic library. The Research & Engagement Librarian will report to the OISE Library Director and will work collaboratively with members of the OISE Library team, with colleagues across the University of Toronto Libraries, and members of the broader OISE community. The Research & Engagement Librarian will contribute across library areas including: (1) collections, (2) community engagement, and (3) research, reference, and instruction. The successful candidate will participate in OISE, UTL, and other committees across the University as appropriate. Responsibilities are as follows:

Collections duties:

• Develop and curate the OISE Library’s Ontario Historical Education Collections (OHEC)
• Initiate, organize, and oversee digitization projects
• Liaise with relevant colleagues and departments at UTL regarding the preservation and digitization of print and audio-visual materials
• Proactively build relationships with partners and engage diverse communities in seeking donations and contributions to special collections related to the history and context of education in Ontario

Engagement duties:

• Actively build relationships with students, faculty, and staff
• Promote the use of the OISE Library’s special collections using a variety of channels such as exhibits, virtual displays, research guides, finding aids, social media, posters, etc.
• Coordinate community events related to the Ontario Historical Education Collections
• Build relationships with marginalized and racialized communities and work toward critical development and use of the OHEC

Research and instruction duties:

• Provide in-depth research support to students, faculty members, staff, and visiting scholars
• Design and deliver online and in-person information literacy instruction, in close collaboration with faculty members and other members of the OISE Library instruction team to support learning in synchronous, asynchronous, and hybrid contexts

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
• Proven ability to promote respect and inclusion by working successfully with a wide variety of people and encouraging their participation and involvement
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Commitment to user-centered services and to ongoing service improvement
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity, and ability to adapt to a changing environment
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively
• Proven project management skills
• Knowledge of collection development practices
• Knowledge of issues related to rare books and special collections
• Knowledge of research, reference, and instruction in an academic library setting
• Demonstrated commitment to innovation and continuous learning PREFERRED

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Related experience in the field of education
• Experience working in an academic library
• Experience developing, managing, and assessing library collections
• Experience with digitization and preservation projects involving special collections
• Experience in: (i) teaching, (ii) reference/research services, and/or (iii) communications/outreach
• Knowledge of evidence synthesis methods (such as systematic and scoping reviews)

Salary and Terms of Appointment: This is a permanent status stream position.

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).

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. REOISE] 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 September 3, 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@utorotno.ca

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/