Librarian, Project Archivist

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University is seeking a Librarian, Project Archivist to contribute to a proactive, community-focused archive project within the Archives and Special Collections team. The role will support data management, description, and digital preservation for Survivor accounts and public records related to Indigenous knowledge and sovereignty.

The position requires a Master of Information or MAS with relevant experience, plus strong collaboration and communication skills to engage with

Qualifications

• Master of Information with a concentration in archives and records management or MAS equivalent.
• Two years of relevant information professional experience.
• Knowledge of decolonization, Indigenous data sovereignty, OCAP and post-custodial archival concepts.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Policy and ethical governance for archival work; develop policies with leadership.
• Engage with Indigenous communities to define collecting scopes and priorities.
• Plan for long-term project sustainability with the team.
• Supervise student researchers, interns, and contract staff.
• Advise on privacy, copyright, and collection workflows.

Skills

Indigenous data sovereignty

OCAP

Archival theory

Communication skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Education

Master of Information (archives/records management)

Master of Archival Studies

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada. In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada. In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About TMU Libraries

A vibrant and innovative centre of exploration, research, creation and learning, TMU Libraries are positioned at the core of the University's academic, research, and community engagement goals. The Libraries support a diverse community of learners and instructors, researchers and scholars, and community experts and entrepreneurs, and are a hub of interdisciplinary SRC. The dedicated team of more than 100 talented individuals supports a growing academic community, including new campuses and a growing number of international students.

In addition to our main campus Library, TMU Libraries also has a Law Library branch and the Bikram S. Dhillon and Family Medical Library located within the School of Medicine in Brampton. TMU Libraries provide crucial academic learning, creation, and research resources, programs, services, and spaces. Its unique blend of expertise and programming, coupled with access to leading-edge technology and an array of information resources, fosters a rich academic environment, supporting the University's complement of degree programs, and advancing research and discovery, and community outreach and engagement.

The Libraries are committed to the TRC Calls to Action and are actively exploring ways to decolonize our work and these efforts are further supported by the Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win (Standing Strong Task Force) recommendations. Our ongoing commitment to equity and community inclusion continues to shape and reaffirm our values and priorities as a Library and University.

The Opportunity

The Librarian, Project Archivist position offers an exciting opportunity for a future-focused, progressive, and community-oriented professional. Reporting to the Head, Collection Services and to the Archivist as functional supervisor within the Archives and Special Collections (A&SC) team, the incumbent will be a part of the Indian Residential Schools Records Project team. The Project team will be led by Connie Walker in the School of Journalism, and will include Kimberly Murray (Associate Professor at the Faculty of Law, Queen’s University) and the Yellowhead Institute at TMU. The project aims to protect Survivor truths and to promote justice and accountability.

An estimated 20,000 statements of claim were filed in courts across the country by Survivors in relation to the harms inflicted on them in Indian Residential Schools. These lawsuits led to the Indian Residential School Settlement Agreement of 2006 which predated the Independent Assessment Process (IAP). The archivist would contribute to the development of culturally appropriate protocols for the archiving of these public documents in ways that support Indigenous Knowledge Keepers and Survivors in making decisions regarding the stewardship of their records.

This project will also advocate for the preservation of the Independent Assessment Process (IAP) records facing imminent destruction. Roughly 38,000 testimonies of experiences at Indian Residential Schools, collected between 2006-2012, are set to be destroyed by September 19, 2027 by order of the Supreme Court of Canada.

The Librarian, Project Archivist will advise on project priorities and protocols to develop a framework for a new archive of Survivor accounts—primarily from lawsuits, court filings, and testimonies—while executing core archival functions, including data management, archival description, and digital preservation. This role utilizes principles of community-led archival practices, Indigenous data sovereignty, ethical stewardship, reciprocal knowledge exchange, and accountable care and respect for the communities involved. Requiring technical expertise and the ability to build collaborative relationships with faculty, students, and researchers, the role may also involve travelling to Indigenous communities to collaborate with community researchers, Survivors, and knowledge keepers.

Responsibilities

Strategic Direction and Community Engagement

• Policy and Ethical Governance: Develops core policies, procedures, and ethical frameworks in collaboration with leadership to guide the acquisition and stewardship of records.
• Community Relations: Maintains and supports strong, collaborative relationships with participating Indigenous communities and stakeholders to define collecting scopes and communicate strategies.
• Sustainability Planning: Collaborates with the Archivist, faculty, and staff on long-term planning initiatives to ensure enduring project sustainability.
• Team Supervision: Trains, supervises, and mentors student research assistants, interns, and contract staff.
• Advisory and Consultation: Navigates and advises project members on complex privacy issues, ethical considerations, and collection workflows.

Archival Stewardship and Technical Operations

• Collection Management: Oversees the appraisal, preservation, arrangement, and description of materials, creating metadata, indexes, and finding aids to facilitate easy retrieval.
• System and Technology Strategy: Leads the implementation of archives and information systems, managing digitization workflows, digital asset management, and web archiving.
• Digital Preservation: Establishes digital preservation workflows, including fixity checks and storage monitoring, to ensure the long-term integrity of born-digital and digitized materials.
• Physical Preservation: Implements measures to protect physical records from deterioration, damage, or loss through climate control and proper storage techniques.
• Access and Compliance: Identifies access, privacy, and copyright restrictions while assisting students, researchers, communities, and the public in accessing archival materials.
• Public Programming: Plans and delivers presentations and public programs regarding access, copyright, privacy, and digital preservation.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate shall hold a Master of Information (with a concentration in archives and records management), Master of Archival Studies (MAS), or an equivalent degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Experience with working within diverse populations of faculty, staff, student, community members, and other constituencies.
• Experience working with community engagement and outreach in a library or archival setting.
• Two (2) years of relevant experience as an information professional.
• Familiarity with current archival practices and emerging concepts, including understanding of the principles of post-custodial archival stewardship.
• Knowledge and commitment to decolonization, Indigenous data sovereignty, anti-racist archival theory and description, and the First Nations principles of ownership, control, access, and possession – more commonly known as OCAP®.
• Knowledge and commitment to the United Nations Principles for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights through action to combat impunity (also known as the Joinet
• Orentlicher Principles) around Survivors, families, and communities’ right to know the truth
• Understanding of Indigenous ways of knowing within a higher education setting.
• Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and individuals.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing workflows and procedures supporting transfer, arrangement, description, and preservation of digital material, and communicating these workflows effectively to colleagues.
• Respect, professionalism, and willingness to engage in collegial decision making thorough utilization of existing councils and governing bodies within the institution.
• Excellent problem-solving and time-management skills and ability to operate effectively while balancing competing priorities.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.

Additional Information (MAC)

• Position Number(s)20004282
• Reports ToHead of Library Collection Services
• DepartmentLibrary
• Employee GroupMAC
• Vacancy TypeTerm - this is a current vacancy
• Work Location4-5 days on Site, based on operational requirements and subject to change
• Start DateOct. 1, 2026 or once filled
• End Date12 months from start date (possibility of renewal)
• Hours of Work36.25
• Grade C42
• Salary Scale$70,448 - $112,535
• Hiring Salary Range$82,342 - $91,492
• TA SpecialistTalent Acquisition
• Posting DateAugust 6, 2026
• Application Close DateAugust 28, 2026

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.