Handling and copying materials

The archival and published collections include items that are hundreds of years old and unique. To help us continue to preserve and protect these documents, we have some handling guidelines for proper care.

Guidelines for all materials

Handling archival boxes

Handling published materials

Self-serve photography and scanning

If you have a camera, smartphone, or personal overhead scanner, you may be able to take digital images of the collection if copyright and access restrictions allow.

Before taking photos of collection material, check with staff. They will give you a form on which you will need to provide the following:

If you know what you would like to photograph or scan ahead of time, download a copy of the Self-serve photography application form and complete it before you arrive onsite.

Staff will check any restrictions on the documents and provide you with a copy of the approved form.

Camera, smartphone and overhead scanner guidelines

If you arrive onsite after service hours

If you will arrive onsite after our service points have closed, you will still need a permission form.

You can download a PDF copy of the form from our website and email it to our Consultation staff ahead of your visit. Include the date of your visit and the locker we have assigned to you.

Microfilm and microfiche

Many documents in the collection are available in microfilm and microfiche. You can find their location at our Ottawa service point, in the Aurora library catalogue, or in Collection Search. Here are some tips to make your visit easier:

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