Library Assistant, Decantation at McMichael Canadian Art Collection

The McMichael Canadian Art Collection ranks among Canada’s top public galleries in size and significance. The Gallery, exhibition, and programming space, comprising 25,000 sq.ft., are surrounded by a network of outdoor trails, outdoor sculpture garden, and 100 acres of conservation land with breathtaking views of the Humber Valley.

Over 6,500 works of art representing the art of Canada comprise the permanent collection, and the gallery welcomes on average more than 115,000 visitors on an annual basis – in person and virtually.

As the McMichael gallery prepares for capital expansion, the library and archive collections will be removed from the building and stored offsite during construction. The Decantation Library Assistant will provide support in a variety of tasks required to prepare for and undertake the organizing, documenting, wrapping, packing, boxing, and removal of all library and archive materials to offsite storage, under the direction of the McMichael Librarian/Archivist.

The process will include assisting with a preliminary inventory review for the packing plan; physically organizing materials based on format, type, media, storage requirements; sourcing and ordering recommended supplies. The Library Assistant will assist with the safe and appropriate wrapping and boxing of books and archival materials based on museum standards. Materials will be inventoried and documented in an Excel spreadsheet tracking system during packing. Some digitization work for documentation purposes as well as research into the digital accessibility of materials may be required.

• Degree/Diploma in Library Science, Library Technology, or Conservation with a demonstrated interest
• in books and paper
• 1 year experience in a library or archive setting; recent graduates also welcome to apply
• Demonstrated knowledge of general library standards, practices and procedures
• Experience working with rare books and archives is preferred
• Experience working with an ILS and practical knowledge of cataloguing preferred
• Demonstrated proficiency in Excel spreadsheets and digitization
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy; proofing skills to ensure accuracy
• Ability to work within the team environment and independently
• Ability to focus on tasks in a busy environment is required
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Reasonable physical effort required. Must be able to lift a box of books weighing at least 25-30 pounds.
  

$22 — $25.00 per hour, plus 4% vacation pay, OMERS pension option.

January 11, 2026

Forward your resume with a covering letter to Human Resources by January 11, 2026 to [email protected]