Job Opportunity at The Centre for Women and Trans People

Work Study Position: Resource Library Facilitator

Application Deadline: Monday September 27, 2010 by 12pm

Start Date: September 30, 2010 (must be available for training on October 2 and 3, 10am – 5pm)

Position Description: This position will allow creative and well-organized person with an interest in library science, research, outreach, web development, and community advocacy the opportunity to co-facilitate and oversee all aspects of a small independently operated Resource Library, a joint project between The Centre for Women and Trans People and OPIRG Toronto, both affiliated with the University of Toronto. This unique collection includes over 1500 books, magazines and reports on the subject of social and environmental justice. It contains many Ontarian Toronto-based publications and community reports. The task of the Resource library Facilitator include, but are not limited to:

• Staff the library during open hours; welcome visitors; shelf library materials; maintain a library space.

• Maintain a computerized cataloguing database: catalog new material.

• Train volunteers and staff to use and maintain the library and catalog.

• Sign out and check in material including collecting library fines in tracking down overdue material.

• Order and purchase new library materials based on the library collection development strategy.

• Update the library website.

• Research and compile annotated subject guides on social justice topics.

• Liaise with other resource centres and alternative libraries in Toronto with the goal of creating a citywide network

• Work with staff and volunteers to organize library events and programming within an anti-oppression framework

• Publicize the resource library to the University of Toronto and the wider community by using mainstream and alternative media, as well making and distributing brochures, posters and other information.

• Create information displays in various social justice topics

• Work with staff and volunteers to create a historical record of the center using archival and other materials

• Maintain e-mail communication with staff and volunteers and participate in regular staff and volunteer meetings

The individual will have the opportunity to work both independently and as part of a team and a collective decision-making environment, with the support and supervision of staff and collective members they will gain experience of library cataloging systems, information organization, website development, as well as become acquainted with the vast number of alternative resources available from diverse and social activist communities.

Skills:
Analytical
Communication
Creative
Interpersonal
Organizational

Degree:
Bachelors Level
Masters Level
Ph.D. Level
Other

Industry: Social Services
Discipline:
ANY Discipline
OTHER-Arts
Arts
Education
Environmental Studies
Health Sciences
Social Work
Social Sciences

Hours of work per week: 12 hours/week during Centre Hours
Special features about the hours of work: occasional Fridays, evenings and weekends may be required

How to apply:
Please mail, e-mail, fax or drop off your resume, cover letter and one-page personal statement (details below) directly to the Centre c/o Hiring Committee. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE.

All applications must be accompanied by a one-page personal statement on “Community organizing and working through oppression and privilege.” This statement is intended to give the Hiring Committee a bit of an idea of your understanding of community organizing, the work you’ve done and how you understand yourself in that work.

The Centre believes that those who are on the margins are often in better positions to understand how systems of oppression, power and privilege work and are maintained. We especially encourage people who are surviving racism, colonization, poverty, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and sexism to apply for paid positions, as well as to volunteer in action groups and to join the Centre’s Collective.

Contact information:
The Centre for Women and Trans People at U of T
c/o Hiring Committee
North Borden Building
563 Spadina Avenue, Room 100
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 2J7

Email: womens.centre AT utoronto DOT ca
Fax: 416-978-1078
Website: http://womenscentre.sa.utoronto.ca