Middle Eastern Studies Librarian (Librarian I/II; Permanent Status Stream)

Job Tittle:  Middle Eastern Studies Librarian (Librarian I/II; Permanent Status Stream)  

Date Posted: 10/28/2024

Closing Date: 11/27/2024

Req ID: 40395

Job Category: Librarian - Permanent Status Stream

Faculty/Division: Library 

Department: Rare Books & Spec Collect

Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)  

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 600 servers with a storage capacity of 1.5 petabytes.

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is home to one of the largest repositories of publicly accessible rare books and archives in Canada. The collections are many and varied, reflecting the wide diversity of teaching and research conducted at the University of Toronto. The Fisher Library holds materials ranging from ancient papyrus fragments to contemporary artists’ books, with many manuscript and print traditions from around the world strongly represented. The extensive archival collections focus on the papers of Canadian authors and cultural figures. Areas of strength include Canadian history and literature, European literature and philosophy, Hebraica and Judaica, Theology, the history and art of the book, the history of science and medicine, history of leftist politics, labour, and social movements, and Islamic manuscripts.

The library provides research support and services to the interdisciplinary study of civilizations and cultures of the Near and Middle East. Collections of manuscripts and early printed books contains a significant amount of material in the languages relevant to area studies in this region. 

DATE REQUIRED:  As soon as possible

The University of Toronto Libraries seeks an innovative, experienced, and strongly user-focused librarian for the position of Middle Eastern Studies Librarian. The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Rare Books and Special Collections Department, with a dotted line to the Associate Chief Librarian for Collections and Materials Management. Responsibilities will include collection development, community engagement, reference and research support, cataloguing, donor relations, seminars and teaching, library projects, and exhibitions. The incumbent will provide specialized support for the planning, development, acquisition, cataloguing, and management of the library’s Middle Eastern collections, both historic and literary. The successful candidate will also work closely with archivists, librarians, Collections Coordinators, and members of the Central Library’s Metadata Services Department, as well as provide public service and research support to meet the growing needs of a diverse community of faculty, visiting scholars, graduate and undergraduate students, and members of the public. 

Areas of responsibility:

• Responsible for the development of print and manuscript collections, through purchase and donation, of the Middle Eastern Studies collections in Rare Books and Special Collections. 
• Responsible for the development of collections in print and digital formats for the general collections to support multidisciplinary research and learning in Middle Eastern Studies.
• Prioritize the expansion of special collections on Middle Eastern Studies by working in collaboration with professionals in the field and community members to improve access and usage of the library’s collections and services. 
• Assess current collections across all subject areas and formats to identify challenges and opportunities to improve discoverability and access of collections on Middle Eastern Studies.
• Provide reference service and research support to students, scholars, staff and members of the public. 
• Act as a liaison and maintains productive relationships with faculty and students of appropriate departments and programs, especially Near and Middle Eastern Civilizations.
• Promote engagement with special collections and library resources through a range of outreach activities, including exhibitions, events, and library programs, with a focus on supporting the needs of scholars, students, and local communities.
• Encourage and cultivate close relations with colleagues in the field, rare book dealers, and donors to support the development and stewardship of collections on Middle Eastern Studies.
• In collaboration with Fisher and Advancement staff, develop strategic relationships with various communities, including alumni, members of the Friends of the Fisher, and local and international library donors. 
• Provide advanced instruction including lectures, workshops, and seminars.
• Create original catalogue records for printed and manuscript material, and other special collections.
• Initiate, organize, and oversee digitization projects.
• Supervise and train graduate student library assistants in special collections. 
• Participate in library and other committees as appropriate. 

Required qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in library, archival or information science from an accredited institution.
• Knowledge about developing institutional collections and/or services in Middle Eastern Studies. 
• Demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, anti-racism and accessibility. 
• Demonstrated interest in rare book librarianship, rare books, and special collections. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of DCRM, MARC, RDA and PCC practices and awareness of developing cataloguing standards including linked data initiatives. 
• Knowledge of collection development practices, including knowledge of shared print and collaborative collection practices.
• Knowledge of issues involved in maintaining special collections, especially with a view to serving diverse communities.
• Written and spoken proficiency in Arabic or Persian.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of information literacy and sound pedagogical approaches and how they can be applied in an academic setting in-person and online
• Strong academic grounding in Middle Eastern Studies or a closely related field.
• Knowledge of historical, cultural, and linguistic issues of importance to scholars of the relevant regions of the world
• Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, presentation, and communication skills. 
• Demonstrated flexibility, creativity and ability to innovate and adapt to a changing environment. 
• Strong initiative and ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively. 
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively, as part of a team and independently. 
• Demonstrated commitment to outstanding public service. 
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills. 

Preferred qualifications:  

• Experience working in an academic library and with special collections.
• Experience teaching using library collections. 
• Experience cataloguing rare books/special collections material.
• Degree and/or related experience in Middle Eastern Studies or a closely related field. 
• Understanding of scholarly communications and open access issues as related to Middle East and Islamic Studies.
• Knowledge of several languages relevant to the study of the Middle East such as Kurdish and Turkish.
• Experience working with rare or unique materials related to Middle Eastern Studies 

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: $76,403; LIB II: $79,720; (Salary is dependent on rank at hire and qualifications).  This is a permanent status stream position.
 

Additional information:

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

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 attach a single electronic file into the “Resume” Field. (MS Word or pdf) with a file name convention of Surname, FirstName, 40395.

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/

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.

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