Toronto Public Library, World’s Busiest, Chooses Insider as New Chief Librarian

Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 7/31/2008 8:42:00 AM

• Pyper is currently director of policy and planning
• Chief Librarian Jo Bryant retired in July
• No details on search released

The Toronto Public Library (TPL) Board yesterday announced the appointment of Jane Pyper as TPL’s new Chief Librarian, effective September 2. Pyper, who has 25 years of experience in libraries, is currently TPL’s director of policy and planning and been part of the team helping TPL become the world’s busiest urban public library system. Toronto Public Library Board Chair Kathy Gallagher Ross praised Pyper's "combination of passion, commitment, and experience."

Pyper discussed TPL’s acquisition of international languages in “Serving Up World Languages,”published by LJ in 2003 and was part of a larger look at TPL LJ also published in 2003. Chief Librarian Josephine Bryant, who presided over the newly-amalgamated TPL system beginning in 1998, took early retirement in July. Pyper, who began her career at the former North York Public Library, which was incorporated into TPL, has been with TPL since 1998.

LJ inquired about the search for Bryant's successor. “The board conducted an extensive search that was international in scope,” TPL spokeswoman Linda Hazzan said, citing the role of the recruiting firm Caldwell Partners International. Asked whether there were finalists, she said, “All applicants to the position of City Librarian were assured of the strict confidentiality of their application, so we are not able to discuss any details of the actual competition.”