Project Assistant Archivist (YCW)

The Archives & Special Collections Department at the Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries is looking for a candidate for the position of Archives and Special Collections Project Archivist. The position will run for 16 weeks, commencing on May 6th and running until August 23rd at a salary rate of $25/hour. The Archives and Special Collections department is located on the 4th floor of the Toronto Metropolitan University Library, in downtown Toronto.

The successful candidate will process a recently acquired collection of architectural images and work closely with the Archivist.

Duties will include processing, arrangement and description, background research on a collection of photographic images, and digitization and printing of exhibition prints. As much of the following as time allows will be completed:
Basic cleaning, condition assessment, and rehousing of collection items
Arrangement and creation of file-level descriptive records in the collection database (AtoM)
Research and creation of authority records for creators

The scope of the project will include one unprocessed collection in the University archives. Other collections may be considered as time permits.

This summer project will give a current graduate student interested in specializing in archival collections in Libraries, Museums, and Archives hands-on experience processing, researching and cataloguing in an archival context. The student will have the opportunity to manage the processing of a collection, including managing project workflows, maintaining intellectual organization, conducting research, with a focus on making the collection accessible to the University community and the public through online description and digitization.

After completion of the summer project, the TMU Library will provide letters of reference that accurately reflect the student’s work within the Special Collections Department.

The ideal candidate is a current student in a graduate program in Library and Information Science, Archival Science, Museums studies, or equivalent. A demonstrated focus on, and personal interest in the study of archival collections is required. An interest in, and knowledge of, the history of Toronto is preferred.

The candidate should exhibit familiarity with descriptive standards, preferably Rules for Archival Description, as well as use of classification standards and controlled vocabularies.

Familiarity with digitization and printing hardware and software and general office software (including Google drive) is required. Previous experience with collections management database software (like AtoM) preferred.

Candidates must have demonstrated strong research and writing skills and have the ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and plan workflows carefully to complete projects in a set time.

Toronto Metropolitan University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity

Candidates must submit proof of their eligibility for the Young Canada Works program prior to the interview process. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Toronto Metropolitan University is an equal opportunity employer, strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.