Sessional Lecturer, INF2138H – AI in Library Science: Social, Political, Practical Impacts

University of Toronto

Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Winter Term 2026 (January – April)

INF2138H – AI in Library Science: Social, Political, Practical Impacts

Course Description: This course (INF2138H – AI in Library Science: Social, Political, Practical Impacts) explores the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the field of library and information science, with a focus on its social, political, and practical implications. Students will critically examine how AI technologies influence information access, data management, and the curation of knowledge. Topics include AI-driven metadata management, machine learning applications in cataloging and discovery, and the ethical concerns surrounding bias, privacy, and surveillance in AI systems. The course will also address the challenges AI poses to intellectual freedom, equity in information access, and the shifting roles of librarians and information professionals in an AI-augmented landscape.

Through case studies, theoretical readings, and practical applications, students will gain the skills to navigate the evolving information environment shaped by AI and develop strategies to ensure ethical and equitable use of AI technologies in library settings. This course will prepare students to critically engage with AI technologies, fostering an understanding of their potential benefits while also addressing the risks and ethical considerations that these technologies bring to the information sciences.

INF2138H – AI in Library Science: Social, Political, Practical Impacts

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, 2026 – April 30, 2026

Salary:

Sessional Lecturer I: $10,300

Sessional Lecturer I Long Term: $10,764

Sessional Lecturer II $11,021

Sessional Lecturer II Long Term: $11,227

Sessional Lecturer III: $11,279

Sessional Lecturer III Long Term: $11,485

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 3, 2025

Application Process: Applicants must submit a CV and a completed CUPE 3902 Unit 3 application form in one pdf file to the attention of:

Melissa Szopa, Administrative Coordinator, Academic

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.

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