Policies for Librarians – Revisions Approved – Communications for Academic Administrators

From: Randy Boyagoda, Acting Vice Provost, Faculty & Academic Life, Larry Alford, University Chief Librarian, Terezia Zorić, UTFA President and Kathleen Scheaffer, Librarian, UTFA Policies for Librarians Lead Negotiator
Date: December 20, 2023
Re: Policies for Librarians – Revisions Approved

We are very pleased to be able to share that both the Governing Council of the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association Council have both ratified the Policies for Librarians agreements. As previously shared on May 26, 2023, these substantive changes are the product of more than five years of negotiations between the parties. The policy changes will come into effect on January 1, 2024.

The Agreement Includes:

Changes to the Policies for Librarians that serve to modernize the terms and conditions of employment for librarians at the University of Toronto and reflect the integral role they play at the University.
Amendments to the Memorandum of Agreement between the Governing Council of the University of Toronto and the University of Toronto Faculty Association, to include Research and Study Leave (RSL) entitlements for librarians effective January 1, 2024.
A Letter of Understanding on Secondments that outlines a process related to secondment opportunities for permanent status librarians.
A Letter of Understanding for Scholars Portal Librarians on Contractually Limited-Term Appointments (Scholars Portal CLTA librarians) including Scholars Portal Recurring-Term Appointment Librarians (SPRTALS) that sets out terms and conditions for appointments, promotion, eligibility to apply to UTL permanent status positions, renewals and termination.
A Letter of Understanding on Research Leave or Study Leave for SPRTALS setting out eligibility and the process for externally funded SPRTALS to take research or study leave

More details of these changes will be communicated to librarians in the new year.

The Office of the Vice-Provost, Faculty & Academic Life will work closely with University of Toronto Library to support the transition to the modernized policies.