Job Summary
The Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections at York University Libraries invites highly qualified
applicants for an Adjunct Archivist position, Irving Abella Fonds. This is a Contractually Limited
Appointment (CLA) for a one-year term to commence January 1, 2027.
This position is focused on the arrangement and description of the substantial archives of Dr. Irving
Abella (1940-2022), professor emeritus of York University, historian, and important contributor to the
development of Canadian Jewish Studies as a discipline of study. The Clara Thomas Archives &
Special Collections is a small but dynamic department of York University Libraries and is located in the
Scott Library on the Keele campus. Its archival holdings consist of more than eight kilometres of
university records and private papers, including an extensive collection of non-textual materials.
Special Collections has over 128,000 items of published Canadiana and other works. Additional
information on holdings and services can be found at: http://www.library.yorku.ca/web/archives.
Projects and Responsibilities:
The Adjunct Archivist works within a collaborative team environment with work coordinated by the
Head of the archives. The incumbent will be responsible for the appraisal, arrangement, description,
and physical processing of the archival records of Irving Abella onsite at the Scott Library, Keele
Campus. In addition, the incumbent, as a member of the archives team, will contribute to
departmental operations, including:
- provision of archival reference services in an academic setting;
- instruction in archival literacy;
- knowledge mobilization in relation to the records of Irving Abella; including the creation of metadata of any relevant material digitized for deposit in the university’s digital heritage preservation repository, York University Digital Library (YUDL);
- service including participation in the work of the Libraries’ committees as appropriate; and
- pursuit of scholarship, professional development, and service.
While the bulk of the work will be the arrangement and description of the papers of Irving Abella,
other small processing projects may be assigned in alignment with any demonstrated areas of
linguistic or disciplinary strength and expertise.
Compensation
How To Apply
- Due date for completed applications: November 2, 2026. Interviews will be conducted in-person,
scheduled in mid-November 2026 with an interview in the morning and additional meetings in the
afternoon. Please contact the chair of the search committee should any accommodations be
required. - Required materials: 1) current CV and a cover letter addressing the stated qualifications and
experience relevant to the responsibilities; 3) Names and contact information for three professional references. References will only be contacted for candidates who proceed to a final interview and will be due no later than November 20, 2026. - Provide required information regarding your Canadian work status and optional self-identification for Affirmative Action purposes at this link: YUWorkAA.
- Direct questions about the position can be sent to the Search Committee Chair, Anna St. Onge at yulapps@yorku.ca.
- Submit materials to: yulapps@yorku.ca