University of Toronto Libraries

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 Harvard and Yale.[1] The system consists of 44 libraries located on University of Toronto's three university campuses: St. George (downtown Toronto), Mississauga and Scarborough.[2] This array of college libraries, special collections, and specialized libraries and information centres supports the teaching and research requirements of 215 graduate programs, over 60 professional programs, and more than 700 undergraduate degree programs. In addition to more than 12 million print volumes in 341 languages, the library system currently provides access to 150,467 journal titles, millions of electronic resources in various forms and almost 30,000 linear metres of archival material. More than 150,000 new print volumes are acquired each year.

University of Toronto Libraries
CountryCanada
TypeAcademic library
Established1892
LocationToronto, Ontario
Branches44
Collection
Items collectedBooks, journals, newspapers, sound recordings, databases, maps, drawings and manuscripts
Size12+ million print books, 1.4 million digital books, 150,467 journal titles, 29,554 linear metres archival material
Other information
Staff500
Websitelibrary.utoronto.ca
Map

The largest library in the system is the Robarts Library, which houses the main collection of social sciences and humanities research resources at the University of Toronto. The Robarts Library complex is also home to the central Libraries’ administrative offices, exhibit galleries, Scotiabank Information Commons, Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation, Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library, Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library, Map & Data Library, Petro Jacyk Central & East European Resource Centre and the Media Commons. All of which are open to the public. The book stacks of Robarts Library on the 9th floor and above are accessible only for University of Toronto students, faculty, staff, and alumni, and those with a valid ID card.[3]

The Thomas Fisher Rare Book Library is connected to Robarts Library and is open to the public. It houses both the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections and the University of Toronto Archives and Records Management Services. It is Canada’s largest rare book library and its holdings include books, manuscripts, maps, and graphic and audiovisual material covering a broad range of subjects and time periods.[4]

Also located in St. George campus, the Gerstein Science Information Centre is the main library for the science and health science disciplines. In addition to the Centre’s comprehensive print collection, there is a vast selection of health and scientific databases and indexes available online.[5]

Partnerships and collaboration

The University of Toronto Libraries system is a member of the Association of Research Libraries, Canadian Association of Research Libraries, and the Ontario Council of University Libraries.

Branches

Main

Colleges

Subject

  • Eberhard Zeidler Library (architecture)
  • Astronomy and Astrophysics Library
  • Department of Art Library
  • Milt Harris Library (business)
  • A. D. Allen Library (chemistry)
  • Criminology Information Service & Library
  • Harry R. Abbott Library (dentistry)
  • Noranda Earth Sciences Library
  • Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library (East Asian studies)
  • OISE Library (education)
  • Engineering and Computer Science Library
  • First Nations House Library
  • Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library (Hong Kong studies)
  • Newman Library (industrial relations and human resources)
  • Bora Laskin Law Library (law)
  • Inforum Library (library and information science)
  • Mathematical Sciences Library (mathematics and the statistical sciences)
  • Pontifical Institute of Mediæval Studies Library
  • Music Library
  • Physics Library
  • Petro Jacyk Central & East European Resource Centre (Russia & East Central Europe studies)

Chief librarians

University Librarian

  • John McCaul (1843-1852)
  • John William Small (1852-1853)
  • Alexander Lorimer (1854-1868)
  • John Edgeworth Thomson (1868-1972)
  • William Henry Van der Smissen (1873-1891)
  • Hugh Hornby Langton (1892-1923)
  • William Stewart Wallace (1923-1954)

Chief Librarian

  • Robert Harold Blackburn (1954-1981)
  • Marilyn Sharrow (1982-1985)
  • Carol Moore (1986-2011)
  • Larry P. Alford (2011–present)

References
  1. "Principal Component Scores ARL Library Investment Index Description and Worksheets". ARL Statistics. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  2. "List of libraries". University of Toronto Libraries. Retrieved 30 October 2015.
  3. "Robarts Library stack access (floors 9-13)". onesearch.library.utoronto.ca. 2011-10-28. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
  4. "About Us". fisher.library.utoronto.ca. 2012-05-15. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
  5. "About us | Gerstein Science Information Centre". gerstein.library.utoronto.ca. Retrieved 2019-08-26.
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