Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) is the academic library system serving the University of Toronto, recognized as the largest research library in Canada and ranked third among peer institutions in North America behind Harvard University and Yale University.^[1]^[2] Established in its modern form in 1892 with the opening of the first dedicated library building on the St. George campus, UTL traces its roots to the university's founding collections at King's College in 1843 and has grown into a world-leading network supporting learning, teaching, and research.^[3]^[4] Spanning three campuses—St. George in downtown Toronto, Scarborough, and Mississauga—UTL operates 40 libraries, including 18 centrally administered facilities and numerous specialized branches.^[2] Its collections encompass over 12 million print volumes in 341 languages, nearly 4 million electronic books, thousands of electronic journals and databases, 32,000 linear metres of archival materials, and 1.5 petabytes of digital data, with an annual acquisitions budget of $32 million.^[5]^[6] Notable strengths include renowned special collections such as the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library, which holds significant holdings in British, European, and Canadian literature, philosophy, theology, political science, and the history of science and medicine.^[7] UTL provides innovative services like expert research consultations, workshops, online access tools, and global resource-sharing partnerships, while emphasizing accessibility, diversity, equity, inclusion, and digital innovation to empower students, faculty, alumni, and community members.^[5]

History

Founding and Early Years

The origins of the University of Toronto Libraries trace back to the establishment of King's College, granted a royal charter by King George IV on March 15, 1827, as the province's first institution of higher learning.^[8] Although the college did not open until 1843 under the initiative of Governor General Sir Charles Bagot, its library began forming that year with initial collections to support academic instruction.^[9] By the mid-1850s, the collection had grown to approximately 6,000 volumes.^[10] These early holdings laid the groundwork for what would become a central resource for the university. Following the secularization of King's College and its renaming as the University of Toronto in 1850, University College opened in 1858 as the university's constituent non-denominational teaching college. The college housed the university's primary library collection, serving students and faculty across disciplines.^[9] This collection represented a significant accumulation of scholarly materials, reflecting the growing academic ambitions of the institution, and had expanded to approximately 33,000 volumes by the late 19th century. Tragedy struck on February 14, 1890, when a fire ignited during an event at University College, rapidly destroying the east wing and the library housed within it.^[11] The blaze resulted in the near-total loss of the 33,000-volume collection, with only a few hundred books salvaged, alongside irreplaceable items from the college's museum and administrative records.^[3] The disaster prompted an urgent reconstruction effort, supported by public and international contributions. In response, the first dedicated University Library building opened on King's College Circle in October 1892, marking a pivotal step toward a centralized library system.^[3] That same year, Hugh Hornby Langton was appointed as the inaugural University Librarian, serving until 1923.^[10] Under Langton's leadership, the library rebuilt its collections through strategic global donations, purchases from donors worldwide, and targeted acquisitions, growing the holdings substantially from the post-fire remnants.^[12] He also established foundational policies for collection development, cataloging, and cooperative resource sharing, which guided the library's expansion and professionalization in its formative decades.^[12]

Growth and Key Milestones

Following the tenure of Hugh Hornby Langton as the university's first professional librarian from 1892 to his retirement in 1923, William Stewart Wallace succeeded as Chief Librarian from 1923 to 1954, during which the library system experienced initial expansion amid the university's growing academic programs and federated colleges.^[13]^[14] In 1954, Robert H. Blackburn was appointed Chief Librarian, the first to hold that official title, and he described the library as the "heart" of the university while overseeing significant infrastructural development that extended services to multiple branches across the institution.^[15]^[16] Under Blackburn's leadership from 1954 to 1981, the system grew through the acquisition of major collections and the construction of new facilities, including the 1955 founding of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections to centralize and preserve unique materials.^[17]^[18] A pivotal milestone came in 1973 with the opening of the John P. Robarts Research Library, designed as the flagship facility for humanities and social sciences research on the St. George campus, completed at a cost of $42 million after five years of construction.^[19] Its 50th anniversary was celebrated in 2023, highlighting its enduring role in supporting scholarly work.^[20] Entering the post-2000 era, the University of Toronto Libraries underwent profound digital transformations, including the launch of T-Space in 2005 as a university-wide digital repository for documents and theses, and partnerships like the 2004 collaboration with the Internet Archive for mass digitization of pre-1923 materials.^[21]^[22] These efforts evolved into broader support for digital scholarship in the 2000s and 2010s, such as tools for data analysis and mapping, alongside the integration of libraries across the St. George, Mississauga, and Scarborough campuses into a cohesive administrative system.^[23]^[24] As of 2025, this unified network encompassed 40 branches serving the three campuses, reflecting ongoing operational consolidation and adaptation to digital demands.^[2]

Organization and Administration

Governance Structure

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) operates within the university's academic governance framework, with the University Chief Librarian reporting to the Vice-President and Provost, who oversees academic and budgetary matters.^[25]^[26] This reporting line ensures alignment with the institution's strategic priorities in teaching, research, and scholarly communication. Centralized administration falls under the Office of the University Chief Librarian, who directs operations across 40 branches distributed over the St. George, University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC), and University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campuses.^[5]^[27] The Chief Librarian interprets and implements policies for the entire system, coordinating resource allocation and fostering collaboration among branches to support university-wide needs.^[26] UTL's operational funding for 2025-26 totaled $133.5 million, encompassing expenditures on collections, personnel, and other activities, with ongoing allocations provided through the university's central budget process.^[28] Staff composition includes professional librarians responsible for curatorial and advisory roles, support personnel handling technical and administrative functions, and student assistants aiding daily operations.^[29] Key policies emphasize equitable access to resources and services, integrating principles from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act while addressing barriers for diverse users.^[30] UTL maintains commitments to anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through initiatives such as recruitment audits, unconscious bias training, and quarterly updates to a living action plan targeting systemic racism, including anti-Black and anti-Indigenous forms.^[30] These policies guide resource allocation to promote an inclusive environment and cultural competency among staff.^[30]

Leadership and Chief Librarians

The leadership of the University of Toronto Libraries has been provided by a series of chief librarians, beginning with the institution's early years as King's College in 1843. The role evolved from managing modest collections to overseeing a vast, decentralized system supporting research and education. Early chief librarians focused on building foundational resources amid the university's growth. Rev. John McCaul served as the first chief librarian from 1843 to 1852, establishing the library during the transition from King's College to the University of Toronto.^[10] Rev. John William Small held the position briefly from 1852 to 1853.^[10] Rev. Alexander Lorimer, from 1854 to 1868, oversaw a collection that reached 6,000 volumes by 1854 and produced the first catalog in 1857, listing 6,934 volumes.^[10] John Edgeworth Thomson led from 1868 to 1872, followed by William Henry Van der Smissen from 1873 to 1891, who managed expansion during a period of increasing academic demands.^[10] Hugh Hornby Langton, serving from 1892 to 1923, further developed holdings to support emerging scholarly needs.^[10] William Stewart Wallace, from 1923 to 1954, guided the library through significant post-war growth, emphasizing acquisitions and services.^[10] In the modern era, Robert Harold Blackburn served as chief librarian from 1954 to 1981, the first to hold the official title, and expanded branches and collections, including the Fisher Rare Book Library and Sigmund Samuel Canadiana Collection; he envisioned the library as the "heart of the university."^[17]^[15] Marilyn Sharrow led from 1982 to 1985, focusing on administrative transitions.^[10] Carole Moore, from 1986 to 2011, advanced digital initiatives, including online access to collections and partnerships for mass digitization, such as with Microsoft for book search projects.^[31]^[32] Larry Paul Alford has been University Chief Librarian since August 2011, with his term extended to June 30, 2026.^[33] Under Alford's strategic leadership, the libraries have emphasized international collaborations through organizations like the Association of Research Libraries, where he served as president from 2015 to 2016, and digital scholarship efforts, including the Chief Librarian's Innovation Awards for linked data and preservation projects.^[34]^[35] He oversaw the 2023 50th anniversary celebrations of the Robarts Library, highlighting its role as a central hub, and initiatives for the 2025 academic year, such as enhanced services and exhibitions like "A Legacy of Knowledge" on rare books running through December 2025.^[36]^[37]

Collections and Resources

Overview of Holdings

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) house one of the largest academic research collections in North America, encompassing a vast array of physical and digital materials to support multidisciplinary scholarship. As of 2025, the system includes over 12 million print volumes in 341 languages, reflecting a comprehensive scope across humanities, sciences, social sciences, and professional fields.^[5] These physical holdings form the backbone of UTL's resources, enabling in-depth research and teaching while accommodating diverse linguistic and cultural perspectives. Complementing the print collections, UTL's digital holdings have expanded significantly, featuring nearly 4 million e-books, thousands of e-journal titles, and extensive databases that provide instant access to current scholarship.^[5] The system also manages 1.5 petabytes of research data, underscoring its role in supporting data-intensive disciplines such as computational sciences and health studies.^[5] These resources directly bolster the University of Toronto's academic enterprise, serving over 700 undergraduate programs, over 200 graduate programs including more than 70 professional programs, across its three campuses.^[2]^[38] Unified access to this breadth of materials is facilitated by the OneSearch discovery platform, a centralized catalog that integrates physical items, electronic content, and metadata for seamless searching and retrieval.^[39]

Special and Archival Collections

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library serves as the primary repository for the University of Toronto Libraries' rare books and special collections, housing about 700,000 volumes of rare books and manuscripts that span nearly 4,000 years of written history, including first editions, historical documents, and other unique materials accessible to the public.^[40]^[41] These collections encompass illustrated books, prints, manuscripts, maps, pamphlets, and personal papers, supporting advanced research in literature, history, and the arts of the book.^[42] Archival holdings at the University of Toronto Libraries total approximately 32,000 linear meters of material, encompassing university records, departmental archives, and historical documents of local, national, and global significance.^[5] The University of Toronto Archives, established in 1965 as a unit within the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, preserves institutional records from the university's founding onward, including administrative files, photographs, and oral histories that document academic and administrative evolution.^[43] Thematic strengths in special and archival collections highlight diverse scholarly areas, such as the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, which holds over 700,000 volumes in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Tibetan languages, focusing on East Asian studies and Asian Canadian heritage.^[44] Map collections, managed through the Map and Data Library, include over 250,000 maps and aerial photographs covering global regions with emphasis on thematic and historical cartography.^[45] In the history of science, the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library features early works from Euclid's Elements (including 14th-century manuscripts and multiple first editions) to modern milestones like Charles Darwin's publications and a signed letter from Albert Einstein, illustrating over 500 years of scientific advancement.^[46]^[47] Digitization initiatives enhance access to these materials through the Collections U of T repository, which provides open access to over 250,000 digitized objects from special and archival collections, including rare books, maps, and manuscripts via standards like the International Image Interoperability Framework.^[48] Preservation efforts prioritize the 32,000 linear meters of archival material through conservation, environmental controls, and collaborative projects, such as the Hidden Stories initiative launched in 2022, a four-year international effort involving over 130 collaborators to uncover and preserve the cultural histories embedded in books using interdisciplinary scientific methods.^[5]^[49]

Branches and Facilities

Central and Main Libraries

The central and main libraries of the University of Toronto Libraries are pivotal research facilities on the St. George campus, providing core support for academic inquiry across disciplines. These libraries— the John P. Robarts Research Library, Gerstein Science Information Centre, and Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library—house vast collections and modern amenities, serving as essential hubs for students, faculty, and researchers. Together, they form the backbone of the university's library system, emphasizing accessibility and innovation in scholarly resources.^[5] The John P. Robarts Research Library stands as the flagship institution for social sciences and humanities research at the University of Toronto. Opened on July 30, 1973, it functions as Canada's largest academic library and a primary research hub, accommodating extensive print and digital collections in these fields. The Brutalist-style building spans 14 floors, including dedicated stack levels and user-oriented spaces that support intensive study and collaboration.^[19]^[50]^[51] The Gerstein Science Information Centre specializes in health and life sciences, serving as the largest academic library of its kind in Canada. Situated on the St. George campus, it delivers targeted resources and services to advance scientific and medical research, with a focus on comprehensive access to journals, databases, and reference materials. Its facilities cater to diverse user needs, including quiet zones and collaborative areas tailored for health sciences scholars.^[52] The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is dedicated to rare books and special collections, offering public access to invaluable historical and literary materials. Established in its current building in 1973 as part of the Robarts Library complex, it preserves over 700,000 rare volumes and manuscripts while facilitating research in bibliography, history, and cultural studies. The library's reading room provides a controlled environment for handling delicate items, promoting both preservation and scholarly engagement.^[19]^[53] Across these central libraries, shared facilities enhance usability and productivity, including varied study spaces such as silent reading rooms and assigned carrels, bookable group study rooms, and technology-equipped zones like digital studios for media creation and data visualization. For example, the Robarts Library features 672 lockable study carrels and a Digital Design Studio with 3D printing capabilities, while the Gerstein offers specialized health sciences workstations. These amenities complement the broader network of campus-specific branches, ensuring seamless resource integration for the university community.^[50]^[54]^[52]

Campus-Specific and Specialized Branches

The University of Toronto Libraries system encompasses 40 branches distributed across its three campuses, including 18 centrally administered on the St. George campus. These branches provide targeted support for academic programs, research, and community needs, with collections and services tailored to specific disciplines and locations. While the central libraries serve as primary research hubs, the campus-specific and specialized branches offer localized access to resources, study spaces, and expertise, often integrating with faculty departments to enhance teaching and learning. At the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) campus, the main UTSC Library serves the community, including specialized collections and research support such as for environmental sciences through dedicated collections and research guides.^[55]^[56] The UTSC Library, located in the Academic Resource Centre, functions as a full campus hub with extensive hours, group study rooms, and innovative facilities like a makerspace for hands-on experimentation in digital fabrication and creative technologies.^[57] Similarly, the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) campus features the UTM Library, which includes specialized collections such as the Matheson Cook Book Library focusing on culinary and related materials within the broader Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre.^[58] The UTM Library offers varied resources across multiple floors, including specialized centres like the Li Koon Chun Finance Learning Centre for business education and the AstraZeneca Canada Centre for technological literacy.^[59] On the St. George campus, specialized branches cater to niche academic areas, exemplified by the Eberhard Zeidler Library, which houses over 37,000 volumes on contemporary architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design, including faculty special collections.^[60] The Milt Harris Library supports business and management studies with access to journals, databases, and print materials, open to the public while prioritizing Rotman School users.^[61] The Bora Laskin Law Library provides comprehensive legal collections for the Faculty of Law, including print and digital resources available to all university affiliates and the public.^[62] Additionally, the First Nations House Library, known as the Resource Centre, maintains a non-circulating collection of print and audiovisual materials on Indigenous issues, supporting the Centre for Indigenous Studies and broader cultural programming.^[63] Recent changes to the branch network include the closure of the Astronomy and Astrophysics Library, whose collections were merged into the Physics Library to streamline resources for science departments.^[64]^[65] These branches vary in scale, from compact subject-specific libraries with targeted holdings to expansive campus hubs equipped with makerspaces that promote innovation, such as those at UTSC and select St. George facilities.^[65] This distributed model ensures equitable access to scholarly materials while adapting to evolving academic demands across the university's campuses.

Services and Programs

Core User Services

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) provide comprehensive circulation and access services to support borrowing and resource sharing for students, faculty, staff, and eligible community members. Borrowing policies vary by user group and material type, with undergraduate students able to borrow up to 100 items for 14 days (renewable up to twice), while graduate students and faculty can borrow up to 200 items for 90 days with automatic unlimited renewals unless recalled by another user.^[66] Interlibrary loans enable access to materials not held in UTL collections, with free requests for undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff through the LibrarySearch platform, though some users like alumni may incur fees for articles or books. Select locations, such as the Robarts Common Building on the St. George campus, offer 24/7 access during peak academic periods to facilitate extended study and research.^[65] Reference and instruction services at UTL emphasize in-person support to enhance research skills and information literacy. Librarians provide consultations at reference desks across branches, assisting with locating materials, evaluating sources, and navigating complex queries, available during standard operating hours at sites like the Gerstein Science Information Centre and UTSC Library.^[67] Course-integrated instruction includes workshops tailored to academic programs, such as hands-on sessions on research strategies and citation management, often requested by faculty for classroom integration to support student learning outcomes.^[68] These services extend to personalized appointments, where users can book one-on-one sessions to address specific research needs, fostering direct interaction between librarians and patrons.^[69] Public engagement initiatives at UTL promote community involvement through exhibits and creative programs that highlight library resources and cultural heritage. The 2017 "UTL at 125" exhibit, held at Robarts Library, showcased the libraries' history from 1892, featuring photographs, equipment, and rare items to celebrate milestones in collection development and technological innovation.^[15] At the UTSC Library, the Sophia Hilton Storytelling Fellowship supports student-led projects exploring cultural narratives, such as Tamil heritage, with fellows receiving stipends and resources for eight-month immersions in storytelling practices, culminating in public presentations.^[70] These efforts, including ongoing events like lectures and tours, encourage broader participation and appreciation of library holdings among the university community and visitors.^[71] UTL prioritizes support for diverse users through accessibility services and equity-focused initiatives that ensure inclusive access to resources and spaces. Accessibility accommodations include book retrieval assistance, specialized equipment like screen readers, and alternative format materials for patrons with disabilities, coordinated via a dedicated email and phone service for appointments.^[72] Equity initiatives address systemic barriers, with commitments to anti-racism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through policies that amplify underrepresented voices and promote safe, welcoming environments in all branches.^[30] Community events, such as workshops on social justice topics and inclusive programming at the OISE Library, further engage varied audiences, including Indigenous and racialized groups, to build equitable participation.^[73] These services are enhanced by digital tools for broader reach, but emphasize in-person accommodations to meet individual needs.^[74]

Digital and Scholarly Support

The University of Toronto Libraries offers robust digital platforms that enhance discovery, preservation, and access to scholarly resources across its tri-campus system. LibrarySearch functions as the central catalog and discovery tool, enabling users to search millions of print and digital items, including books, journals, databases, and multimedia, from a single interface. TSpace, the institutional repository, provides a free and secure platform for University of Toronto researchers to deposit, disseminate, and preserve their scholarly outputs, such as theses, datasets, and publications, ensuring long-term accessibility and compliance with open access mandates. Supporting these platforms, the libraries' digital infrastructure includes 1.5 petabytes of storage capacity, housed in data centers with more than 500 servers, to manage vast collections of research data and digital assets.^[75] Scholarly services emphasize advanced research support through consultations and specialized units tailored to digital workflows. Data management consultations assist faculty, students, and staff in planning, organizing, and sharing research data, including strategies for compliance with funder requirements and ethical data practices. The Digital Scholarship Unit at the University of Toronto Mississauga (UTM) delivers targeted expertise, offering one-on-one sessions on integrating digital tools into research, such as text and data mining, visualization, and computational analysis. Publication support extends to guidance on open access publishing, licensing agreements, and depositing materials in repositories like TSpace, helping researchers maximize the impact and visibility of their work. These services complement in-person reference assistance by providing technology-focused expertise for complex scholarly projects. Key initiatives foster innovation and inclusivity through strategic partnerships and open-source collaborations. The libraries collaborate with the Mobile App Development Lab (MADLab), a student-centered facility within the Gerstein Science Information Centre, to promote mobile software development; this partnership provides access to equipment, workshops, and collaborative spaces that integrate library resources with app prototyping and entrepreneurship. Participation in the Islandora community drives inclusive digital projects, with the libraries hosting events like IslandoraCon 2023 and leveraging the open-source platform to build collections such as the Memory project for community histories and Digital Tamil Studies for underrepresented cultural archives, emphasizing accessibility and collaborative knowledge creation. Research tools and expert guidance empower users to leverage advanced technologies for inquiry and creation. Librarians offer tailored instruction on accessing and utilizing subject-specific databases, from multidisciplinary indexes to specialized repositories, ensuring efficient navigation of licensed electronic resources. The Map and Data Library provides comprehensive support for Geographic Information Systems (GIS), including consultations on software like ArcGIS, data visualization techniques, and geospatial analysis for academic and applied research. Makerspaces across campuses, such as the UTSC Library facility, facilitate multimedia creation with hands-on access to 3D printers, microcontrollers, and virtual reality tools, supported by workshops that encourage experimentation and critical engagement with digital fabrication.

Partnerships and Collaborations

Institutional Memberships

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) maintains formal memberships in several national library associations and consortia, enabling collaborative resource sharing and advocacy for Canadian research libraries. As a key member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), established in 1976, UTL participates in initiatives focused on enhancing research support, open access, and national data strategies among Canada's 29 largest university libraries.^[76] Similarly, UTL is an active participant in the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), a consortium of 20 Ontario university libraries (plus 4 associated universities) founded in 1967, which facilitates shared digital infrastructure, licensing negotiations, and preservation efforts through services like Scholars Portal.^[77] On the international front, UTL holds membership in the Association of Research Libraries (ARL), a nonprofit organization of 125 research libraries in the United States and Canada dedicated to advancing scholarly communication and library innovation since 1932.^[78] UTL also belongs to the Center for Research Libraries (CRL), an international consortium of over 200 North American research institutions that provides access to rare materials, digital collections, and global resource sharing; notably, UTL's Chief Librarian, Larry Alford, served as CRL Vice Chair from 2023 to 2025.^[79]^[80] In addition, UTL engages with global library networks through its participation in OCLC, a cooperative for shared cataloging, discovery, and resource management used by thousands of libraries worldwide, supporting UTL's metadata standards and interlibrary loan services via its OCLC symbol UTO.^[81] For digital preservation, UTL contributes to and accesses HathiTrust, a collaborative repository of digitized books and materials from over 200 member institutions, where more than 2.5 million UTL-held volumes are available for scholarly use.^[82] These memberships collectively enable UTL to benefit from shared licensing agreements that reduce costs for electronic resources, streamlined interlibrary loans for rapid material delivery, and collective bargaining to influence vendor negotiations and policy on e-resource access.^[77]

Major Collaborative Initiatives

In 2023, the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL) and the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) to develop a national institutional repository service, known as Scholaris. Launched in 2024, this shared service provides hosted infrastructure and support for Canadian institutional repositories; as of May 2025, ten institutions are live on the platform, enhancing discoverability and long-term stewardship of digital research materials.^[83]^[84] On the international front, UTL collaborated with the French Institute of Pondicherry in 2020 through the "Private Treasures to Global Public Access" project, focusing on the digitization of rare Tamil manuscripts and other private collections to make them openly accessible worldwide. Additionally, as a partner in OCLC's SHARES program, UTL participates in a global resource-sharing network that facilitates emergency access to partner collections during disruptions, such as natural disasters or pandemics, ensuring continuity of research support.^[85]^[81] In scholarly projects, UTL co-leads the Hidden Stories initiative, launched in 2022, which involves over 130 international collaborators to investigate the local and global histories of books along the Silk Roads through exhibitions, symposia, and digital resources. Since 2016, UTL has partnered with the Faculty of Information's iSchool on the Toronto Academic Libraries Internship (TALint) program, offering paid, two-year internships to Master of Information students for hands-on digital scholarship projects, including data curation and exhibit development.^[49]^[86]^[24] At the campus level, the University of Toronto Scarborough (UTSC) Library administers the Sophia Hilton Storytelling Fellowship, an annual program that funds student-led projects exploring cultural heritage, such as digital storytelling on Tamil traditions, with stipends and resources for immersive eight-month engagements. UTL also maintains partnerships through the Mobile Application Development Lab (MADLab), housed in the Gerstein Science Information Centre, where students collaborate on digital innovation projects like app development and 3D modeling, supported by library facilities and interdisciplinary resources.^[70]^[87]

References

[1]
Libraries - Victoria College - University of Toronto
The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada and is ranked third among peer institutions in North America, behind only ...
[2]
Quick facts | University of Toronto
Libraries (2025-26). The University of Toronto has 40 libraries across our three campuses. The U of T library system has more than: 12 million volumes in 341 ...U Of T Campuses · Student Enrolment (fall... · Programs And Tuition...
[3]
Introduction · University of Toronto Libraries at 125 · Exhibits
### History and Key Milestones of University of Toronto Libraries (1892–Present)
[4]
University of Toronto Libraries fonds
The University of Toronto Library was established in 1892. Now known as University of Toronto Libraries, the system consists of 44 libraries located on ...
[5]
About U of T Libraries | University of Toronto Libraries
Our holdings include over 12 million volumes in 341 languages, nearly 4,000,000 electronic books, thousands of electronic journals and databases, 32,000 linear ...
[6]
Collections · University of Toronto Libraries at 125 - Exhibits
The University of Toronto Libraries system is the largest academic library in Canada. With an annual acquisitions budget of $32 million.
[7]
Collections Overview - Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
The greatest strengths of the Library lie in the fields of British, European and Canadian literature, philosophy, theology, political science, the history of ...
[8]
U of T Chronology · Heritage U of T · Explore Collections U of T
1827 March 15 At the urging of John Strachan, Archdeacon of York, a Royal Charter is granted to establish the University of King's College at York.
[9]
The First Century, 1827-1923 | Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Early documents detail the founding of King's College, the Library's early homes, the devastating fire of 1890 and the building of the new Library and its ...
[10]
https://utlibrarians.wordpress.com/2011/03/13/historical-bits-and-bytes-chief-librarians-university-librarians/
[11]
Historical Bits and Bytes: Chief Librarians / University Librarians
Mar 13, 2011 · 1892-1923 Hugh Hornby Langton, MA (Trinity College, Cambridge). 1923-1954 William Stewart Wallace, MA, LLD. 1954-1981 Robert Harold Blackburn ...
[12]
Hugh Hornby Langton [EX LIBRIS ASSOCIATION]
Jul 22, 2024 · 1887-1892 Registrar and Assistant Librarian, University of Toronto 1892-1923 University Librarian, University of Toronto
[13]
William Stewart Wallace | The Canadian Encyclopedia
Jan 16, 2008 · He became assistant librarian at the University of Toronto in 1920 and was librarian 1923-54. He was general editor of the university ...
[14]
William Stewart Wallace Papers - Discover Archives
William Stewart Wallace was born at Georgetown, Ont., in 1884. He was Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto between 1922-54.
[15]
Introduction · University of Toronto Libraries at 125 - Exhibits
This exhibition explores its history from 1892 to the present day. Items on display include photographs, library equipment, journals and books.
[16]
Robert Blackburn, U of T's pioneering former chief librarian ...
Feb 4, 2019 · Blackburn took the helm of the libraries in 1954 and was the first to officially hold the title of chief librarian, retiring after 27 years.Missing: H. | Show results with:H.
[17]
People - University of Toronto
In addition to his role as Chief Librarian, Blackburn authored two books, Evolution of the Heart: A History of the University of Toronto Library up to 1981 ...
[18]
Brief History of the Department | Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections was founded in November 1955 by the Chief Librarian, Robert H. Blackburn, when he hired Marion E. Brown ...
[19]
John P. Robarts Research Library & Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
The official opening of the Robarts Library complex, completed at a cost of $42 million, took place on July 30, 1973. The two wings had been completed first, ...
[20]
Robarts Library at 50: How Fort Book became the 'campus living room'
Sep 26, 2023 · The University of Toronto's campus weekly, The Varsity, greeted students with a front-page photograph of John P. Robarts Library in 1973 ...
[21]
The Infinite Library | By Devin Crawley - U of T Magazine
Sep 2, 2005 · Last year, for example, the library developed T-Space, a university-wide digital repository that holds thousands of documents, including course ...Missing: transformations | Show results with:transformations
[22]
[PDF] the University of Toronto Libraries partnership with the Internet Archive
Jul 16, 2008 · The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) and the Internet Archive (IA) have been collaborating on mass digitization projects since late 2004.
[23]
Innovation - University of Toronto
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, the library continued to launch new programs to support digital scholarship, including mapping, and data research and analysis.Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[24]
Digital Scholarship Profile: University of Toronto
Apr 26, 2016 · Since the early 2000s, ITS and its Digital Initiatives Team have gradually shifted their efforts towards scalable enterprise-level tools and ...
[25]
Division of the Vice-President & Provost – University of Toronto
This Office is responsible for academic and budgetary matters at the University of Toronto. On these pages you can find our recent communications, policies, ...Staff Directory · About · Principals, Deans, Academic... · Committees
[26]
Librarians, Policies for [January 1, 2024] - Governing Council
Jan 1, 2024 · The Search Committee is advisory to the University Chief Librarian or the appropriate academic administrative head in the case of appointments ...
[27]
Libraries | University of Toronto
With unparalleled collections, innovative services, and inspiring spaces, U of T's library system supports students, alumni, faculty and community members.
[28]
[PDF] Budget Report 2020–21 - Planning and Budget - University of Toronto
Library costs are the second largest category at $117 million for 2020-21, including budgets for many centrally funded libraries. The budget includes the ...Missing: 111 | Show results with:111
[29]
Staff directory | University of Toronto Libraries
We're here to help. Use the staff directory to connect with librarians and staff across the University of Toronto Libraries. Search by department, campus, ...Missing: 683 employees 2020
[30]
Anti-racism and diversity, equity and inclusion - Policies
The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) is re-committing its efforts to identify and address systemic racism, including anti-Black racism and racism against ...Missing: access | Show results with:access
[31]
Technological Innovations · University of Toronto Libraries at 125
Carole Moore, Chief Librarian from 1986-2011, led the Libraries through a remarkable time of technological change. She played a pivotal role in making UTL's ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives
[32]
Microsoft to Collaborate With University of California and University ...
... Carole Moore, chief librarian of University of Toronto. “Our work with Microsoft in this initiative is an important first step toward mass digitization of ...Missing: Carol | Show results with:Carol
[33]
Extension of Larry Alford as University Chief Librarian, University of ...
Mar 5, 2025 · The Agenda Committee of the Academic Board has approved an extension of Larry Alford's appointment as University Chief Librarian until June 30, 2026.
[34]
Larry Alford, University of Toronto's Chief Librarian, Honored with ...
May 20, 2021 · Alford was Association of Research Libraries (ARL) president 2015–2016 and a member of the ARL Executive Committee 2014–2017 and Board of ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[35]
Larry Alford Honoured with CARL Award for Distinguished Service ...
May 18, 2021 · Alford introduced the Chief Librarian's Innovation Awards, championing initiatives related to linked data, digital preservation, ...
[36]
Robarts Fifty: Home
### Summary of Growth Under Blackburn, Robarts Opening, and Digital Transformations
[37]
News | University of Toronto Libraries
A Legacy of Knowledge: Celebrating 70 Years of Rare Books and Special Collections. A look inside the landmark exhibition running to Dec 23, 2025 at the ...Missing: initiatives | Show results with:initiatives<|control11|><|separator|>
[38]
[PDF] Bachelor of Information - Governing Council - University of Toronto
Sep 1, 2019 · Its research and special collections comprise over 12 million print volumes, 5.6 million microforms, over 17,000 journal subscriptions, and.
[39]
YBP Library Services selected as primary book supplier for the ...
YBP Library Services selected as primary book supplier for the University of Toronto Libraries. July 16, 2014 ... More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired ...
[40]
Academics | University of Toronto
We offer over 700 undergraduate programs, 200 graduate programs, and many lifelong learning opportunities to support your career goals at U of T. ... Libraries ...Undergraduate Programs · Graduate Programs · Academic units
[41]
https://thevarsity.ca/2018/10/21/unveiling-the-riches-of-the-thomas-fisher-rare-book-librarys-collection/
[42]
Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library - University of Toronto
The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library houses the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections including books, manuscripts and other materials, ...Hours and Location · About Us · Contact Us · Manuscripts
[43]
Unveiling the riches of the Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library's ...
Oct 21, 2018 · The collection consists of 740,000 rare books and manuscripts that span nearly 4,000 years of written history. Opened in 1973, the library first ...
[44]
Collection Highlights | Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Search special collections, collection type - any - drama, illustrated books & prints, manuscripts, maps, pamphlets, periodicals & programs, papers & records.
[45]
University of Toronto Archives and Records Management Services
Mar 28, 2019 · The University of Toronto Archives was established in 1965 as a unit within the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.<|control11|><|separator|>
[46]
East Asian Library (Cheng Yu Tung)
The Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library is a leading centre for East Asian and Asian Canadian studies at the University of Toronto, home to over 700,000 ...
[47]
Map and Data Library - University of Toronto
MDL has open study space, group study rooms, and a computer lab. MDL Map Collection. Our collections consist of over 250,000 maps and hundreds of thousands of ...Toronto Data · U of T Libraries Scanned Maps · Contact us · Maps and atlases
[48]
From Euclid to Einstein: Milestones in the History of Science
The display spans over 500 years of history, and includes multiple first editions of Euclid's Elements, works by Charles Darwin, and a letter signed by Albert ...
[49]
History of Science - Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library
Works by many of Einstein's distinguished scientific colleagues are also included. ... University of Toronto Libraries - Since 1892. Follow the Fisher Library.
[50]
Collections U of T - University of Toronto
Collections U of T is the University of Toronto's repository of digitized library and archives collections. Explore over 250K digitized objects.Missing: transformations 2000
[51]
Hidden Stories - University of Toronto
Our four-year project brings together interdisciplinary and scientific research, cultural heritage preservation, community relationship-building.
[52]
Robarts Library | University of Toronto Libraries
Robarts Library is Canada's largest academic library and the hub for humanities and social sciences at U of T. With extensive print and digital collections, ...
[53]
John P. Robarts Research Library (Toronto, 1973) - Structurae
Nov 6, 2022 · number of floors (above ground), 14. number of floors (below ground), 2. side length, 100 m. Materials. building structure, reinforced concrete
[54]
Gerstein Science Information Centre | University of Toronto Libraries
Welcome to the Gerstein Science Information Centre, the largest academic science and health science library in Canada. We provide innovative services, ...
[55]
About Us | Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library - University of Toronto
The present building was opened in 1973. It is named in honour of Thomas Fisher (1792-1874), who came from Yorkshire to Upper Canada in 1821 and settled by the ...
[56]
Robarts Library study carrels - University of Toronto Libraries
The John P. Robarts Library offers 672 quiet, individual, lockable study ... Carrels are located on stack floors 9 to 13, and assigned annually based ...
[57]
https://utsc.library.utoronto.ca/makerspace
[58]
Welcome - Environmental Sciences @ UTSC - Research guides
UTSC Library. Library hours · Library spaces · Book a study room ; Find and Borrow. Books, articles, media, and other formats · Explore our unique collections ...
[59]
Makerspace | University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
We provide a safe, welcoming space for participants to experiment and be knowledge creators by supporting critical thinking and creativity.
[60]
Welcome | University of Toronto Mississauga Library
Explore these research guides for recommended databases, citation resources, and more. We have guides supporting every program at UTM, and more for selected ...Popular databases · Borrow from Other Libraries · Study Rooms · Library Hours<|control11|><|separator|>
[61]
HMALC Centres | University of Toronto Mississauga Library
HMALC Centres · AstraZeneca Canada Centre for Information and Technological Literacy (Tech Centre) · Li Koon Chun Finance Learning Centre (FLC) · Robert Gillespie ...
[62]
Eberhard Zeidler Library - Daniels Faculty - University of Toronto
The Eberhard Zeidler Library is Canada's leading academic library for the study of contemporary architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design.
[63]
Milt Harris Library | Rotman School | University of Toronto
Explore the Milt Harris Library at Rotman, University of Toronto, where students and researchers access top business resources, databases, academic journals ...
[64]
Bora Laskin Law Library - Faculty of Law - University of Toronto
Our library is open to all university students and faculty, as well as members of the public. Our Collections. Our legal collections support curriculum ...Library Hours and LocationServicesResearch GuidesDatabases CollectionsPublic
[65]
First Nations House Resource Centre | University of Toronto Libraries
The Resource Centre offers a growing collection of print and audiovisual materials focused on Indigenous issues, including required texts for the...
[66]
Astronomy and Astrophysics Library Home Page
Sep 5, 2019 · The library serves faculty, graduate students, and staff, with 25,000 volumes focused on astronomy and astrophysics, including related physics, ...
[67]
Libraries & hours | University of Toronto Libraries
Navigate U of T's vast library system—three campuses of spaces, services, and resources at your fingertips.
[68]
Borrow library resources - How-To guides | University of Toronto ...
Borrowing periods and limits. Borrowing policies depend on your user group and the type of material. Most books renew automatically unless someone else ...Borrow Items From Any... · Borrowing Periods And Limits · Renew Or Return Items
[69]
Research | University of Toronto Mississauga Library
Visit us at the Reference & Research or Information & Loans desks on the main floor of the Library, or contact us through our many virtual service points.<|separator|>
[70]
Workshops | University of Toronto Scarborough Campus
The U of T Scarborough Library provides instructional workshops to support a wide variety of student skills, competencies, & knowledge of library resources.
[71]
Services & tools | University of Toronto Libraries
3D printing, scanning, and design support for students, faculty, and researchers. Service. Accessibility services at Gerstein Library.
[72]
The UTSC Library Sophia Hilton Storytelling Fellowship launches ...
The UTSC Library Sophia Hilton Storytelling Fellowship provides three students the opportunity to spend eight months immersed in the art and practice of ...
[73]
Workshops, Tours & Events | University of Toronto Mississauga Library
We also offer workshops on advanced research topics for graduate students and faculty. Learn how to use advanced statistical software, data scraping and ...
[74]
Library Accessibility - Services | University of Toronto Libraries
Contact us ; library.accessibility@utoronto.ca · : 416-978-1957. In-person: By appointment only. Please email or call to make arrangements. ; Hujma Chowdhury
[75]
Services for persons with disabilities - UTSC Library
The library offers an elevator, automatic door openers, book retrieval assistance, specialized equipment, and alternative format publications for those with ...
[76]
Guide to accessible library visits - Policies | University of Toronto ...
Contact us. Email: library.accessibility@utoronto.ca. Phone: 416-978-1957 ... Service animals are welcome at all University of Toronto Libraries. Please ...
[77]
Membership - Canadian Association of Research Libraries
CARL members include 29 of the larger Canadian university libraries and three federal and parliamentary libraries. Our engaged membership encourages and ...
[78]
Ontario Council of University Libraries: home | OCUL
OCUL provides Ontario university libraries with shared services and technology infrastructure to support academic teaching, research and learning.Contact · Members · About · OCUL History
[79]
List of ARL Members - Association of Research Libraries
All ARL member institutions are listed below as an alphabetical list sorted by keyword (for example, University of Kansas is listed under K for Kansas, ...
[80]
Board of Directors | Center for Research Libraries
Larry Alford Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries Vice Chair (2023-2025) First term ends 2025. Peter Bae Director, Bowdoin College Library
[81]
CRL Members - Center for Research Libraries
CRL member libraries work together to identify, preserve and acquire critical resources for advanced research and teaching.
[82]
University of Toronto - UTO - OCLC
Robarts Library. Resource Sharing Department Robarts Library University of Toronto 130 St George Street Toronto ON Canada M5S 1A5. Fax: 416.978.1608
[83]
CARL, OCUL, and University of Toronto Libraries Sign MOU ...
CARL, OCUL, and University of Toronto Libraries Sign MOU Outlining Collaborative Intent to Develop a National Institutional Repository Service.
[84]
Collaboration between the University of Toronto Libraries and the ...
Feb 12, 2020 · Private Treasures to Global Public Access is a collaboration between the University of Toronto Libraries and the French Institute of Pondicherry ...
[85]
Hidden Stories Project: U of T researchers lead international ...
Dec 6, 2022 · The Hidden Stories project will run from November 2022 to January 2027 and aims to explore the systems, peoples and cultures that make a book, ...
[86]
Mobile Application Development Lab (MADLab) at Gerstein Library
The MADLab is a student-centric facility devoted to accelerating mobile software development at University of Toronto. This space hosts the Gerstein Library + ...Missing: initiatives Islandora