University of Toronto
Faculty of Information
Sessional Lecturer
Winter Term 2027 ( January 2027 - April 2027 )
INF2172H - Readers' Advisory: Reference Work and Resources
Course Description:
This course (INF2172H — Readers’ Advisory: Reference Work and Resources) introduces students to the selected theories underlying reading studies and readers’ advisory (RA); the major genres and sub-genres of fiction and non-fiction materials that comprise the core of RA work; a wide array of RA print and electronic tools; and current practices of delivering RA services in both public and academic libraries, with the focus on the former. The concept of integrated RA will be reviewed, and alternative formats for providing advisory services will be discussed (films, music, games, Living Libraries, etc.).
Recognizing that readers’ advisory for children and teens/young adults requires special in-depth treatment, this course focuses only on adult readers. It is expected that by the end of the course, students will be able to (1) efficiently interview readers in order to identify their reading needs; (2) acquire an in-depth understanding of reading genres; (3) become familiar with a variety of readers’ advisory tools and use them confidently and proficiently; and (4) identify opportunities and means for continuing professional development in the area of RA.
This course is for students interested in public librarianship; aspiring school media specialists; and future academic librarians who will develop collections in support of research and courses in popular genre fiction, literature, cultural anthropology, and other disciplines that recognize the importance of stories.
Estimate of the course enrolment: 35
Estimate of TA Support: None anticipated. Estimate of 75 hours with enrollment of 36 or greater. Allocation of TA hours, if any, will be based on enrolment numbers.
Class Schedule: TBD. You are required to be located in geographical proximity to the applicable University premises in order to attend and perform your duties on University premises as of the Starting Date.
Sessional dates of appointment: January 1, 2027 - April 30, 2027
Salary:
Sessional Lecturer I: $10,889
Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $11,652
Sessional Lecturer II $11,652
Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $11,924
Sessional Lecturer III: $11,924
Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $12,202
Please note that should rates stipulated in the collective agreement vary from rates stated in this posting, the rates stated in the collective agreement shall prevail.
Qualifications: Preferably candidates will have a completed, or nearly completed, PhD degree in an area related to the course or a Master’s degree plus extensive professional experience in an area related to the course. Teaching experience is preferred.
Brief description of duties: Preparing course materials; delivering course content (e.g., seminars, lectures, and labs); developing and administering course assignments, tests & exams; grading; holding regular office hours.
Application Deadline: June. 16, 2026
Application Process: Applicants must submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form in one pdf file to the attention of:
Nafiseh Yazdian, Administrative Coordinator
Faculty of Information, 140 St. George Street University of Toronto
sessional.ischool@utoronto.ca
This job is posted in accordance with the CUPE 3902 Unit 3 Collective Agreement. Preference in hiring is given to qualified individuals advanced to the rank of Sessional Lecturer II and Sessional Lecturer III in accordance with Article 14:12.
