University of Toronto
Faculty of Information
Sessional Lecturer
Fall Term 2026 (September – December)
INF2237H - Cold War History of Books, Librarianship, and Publishing
Course Description:
This course (INF2237H: Cold War History of Books, Librarianship, and Publishing) offers students a historical, ethical, and analytical study of the role that libraries, librarians, books, and the publishing industry have played during and in the aftermath of regional and global political and military conflicts. Through a specific investigation of the Cold War history of books, this course offers theoretically deep reading of critical theories of culture, education, and the publishing industry in order to familiarize students with critical modes of historical inquiry, to give students practice in reading original theoretical works, to help students analyze the historical social and political contexts of publishing industry and the profession of librarianship, and to assist students in developing their ethical and professional sensibilities. In this course we will also learn about the ties that bind publishing industry, the profession of librarianship, capitalism, and imperialism.
The Course will ask: In what ways do the global conflicts affect the world of books and professions related to knowledge production and distribution? What is the role of librarians during global ideological conflicts? What are the ethical and professional considerations that librarians should develop to facilitate social change in times of political unrest?
Exclusion: INF2408H Special Topics in Information: Cold War History of Books, Publishing, and Librarianship
Note: Formerly “INF2408H Special Topics in Information: Cold War History of Books, Publishing, and Librarianship”. Effective May 1, 2026, it’s a regular course.
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: September 1, 2026 – Desember 31, 2026
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: May. 28, 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.
