Job Description

Job Number:
J1225-0101
Posting Date:
December 11, 2025
Closing Date:
December 19, 2025
Job Title:
Special Collections Archivist
Branch/Department:
Toronto Reference Library
Division:
Service Development & Innovation
Assignment:
Chinese Canadian Archive
Employment Type:
Permanent Full Time
# of Open Positions:
1
Work Schedule (Week1):
Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday: 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Sunday: Off

Work Schedule (Week2):
Monday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Tuesday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Wednesday: Off

Thursday: 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Friday: 12:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Saturday: Off

Sunday: Off

Salary:
$89,307.40 - $100,919.00/Year

HOURS PER WEEK & SCHEDULE OF WORK:

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE 19) 35 hours per week. Evenings and Saturdays may be required. Plus seven [7] variable hours.

Specific Position Information: position requires some oral and written comprehension of Chinese languages - pre-test required.

JOB SUMMARY:

To provide service planning and expertise (as well as direct and indirect customer service), focused on the arrangement, description and processing of archival materials for the Library's collections.

DUTIES:

Arranges, describes and processes archival materials for the Library's physical and digital collections. Interprets and adapts general cataloguing and classification policies as they apply to specific collections of the Library, and recognized archival principles. Coordinates archival projects, and acts as a resource person for the arrangement, description and processing of archival materials. Meets established standards of production. Participates in planning of and recommends improvements to workflow and procedures to maximize efficiency and ensure excellent client service. Cooperates and consults with staff concerning all aspects of archival arrangement, description and processing for the Library. Develops familiarity with the needs of users in order to provide useful and effective access to the collection, and liaises with Library staff. As required, drafts procedures for the Library's archival collections, and prepares and maintains finding aids. Keeps up-to-date with developments in archival arrangement, description and processing (including rare books cataloguing). Providing information service involving research and reference materials. Planning, conducting and evaluating individual programs and events. Performs other related duties as assigned including outreach.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate degree in archival studies from an accredited institution or equivalent education. A minimum of three (3) years' progressive experience in archival arrangement and description essential. Expert knowledge of current archival descriptive standards, including Rules for Archival Description (RAD) as well as library cataloguing standards, such as AACR2, Library of Congress and Canadian Subject Headings, the Dewey Decimal Classification, Dublin Core and metadata schema essential. Experience in arranging and describing manuscripts, primary sources, and/or rare books preferred. Strong understanding of archival practice and principles, including acquisitions, appraisal, preservation and ownership. Proven ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships at all levels with internal and external stakeholders. Understanding and appreciation of the philosophy of public service to all, in accordance with human rights legislation and the principles of equity and access in the delivery of library service. Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational and customer service skills.

NOTE: Position requires some oral and written comprehension of Chinese languages - pre-test required.

ACCOMMODATION:

We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Toronto Public Library (TPL) invites applications from all qualified individuals. The Library is committed to equal opportunity, diversity in the workplace, equity and reconciliation, and welcomes applications from Indigenous people, Black and racialized groups, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ people and women.





All applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. Toronto Public Library (TPL) will be using email to communicate with you for all job competitions. It is your responsibility to include an updated email address that is checked daily. As we send time sensitive correspondence, we recommend that you check your email regularly. If no response is received, we will assume you are no longer interested in pursuing the opportunity. Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any background information provided be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, Toronto Public Library (TPL) reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of your application.


The Toronto Public Library does not ask for a credit card, banking information, or social insurance number during the recruitment process. Do not respond to emails or requests for information about jobs at TPL that are not sent from an @tpl.ca address.