Sessional Lecturer, INF2172H – Readers’ Advisory: Reference Work and Resources

University of Toronto

Faculty of Information

Sessional Lecturer

Winter Term 2026 (January – April)

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.

INF2172H – Readers’ Advisory: Reference Work and Resources

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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