New Archives Database Now Live

Library users can now access materials from the library’s archival & special collections through a new archives database. The database is powered by AtoM, a web-based open source application designed for archival materials in mind. “AtoM has become the industry standard archival discovery layer in the Canadian academic sector, with broad uptake at other Ontario and Canadian universities. We are excited to be able to join this community of practice as we strive to make our collections as simple to find and as accessible as possible to all users,” said Curtis Sassur, head, Archival & Special Collections. 

In the database, you’ll find descriptive information from our collections as well as miscellaneous archival materials in our holdings. “The new archives database provides users with greater access to our collections, coupled with a better understanding of how the documents they are looking for relate to records they might not even know we have,” said Ryan Kirkby, project archivist, Archival & Special Collections. “It’s a hugely powerful tool; a gamechanger for the library and most importantly our researchers.” 

Some examples of what you can find in the new database are: 

• Performance files from thematic and activist-oriented theatre companies like Black Theatre Canada, Native Earth Performing Arts, and Theatre Passe Murraille. 
• Design records from such Canadian landscape architects and urban planners as Lois Lister, George Tanaka, and Project Planning Associates Ltd., as well as golf course architect Stanley Thompson. 
• The personal and professional papers of L. M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables (1908) and other notable novels. 

Users can still browse rare books, monographs, and other published materials by searching in Omni, the library’s online catalogue. 

If you’re curious, start your browsing adventure in the new database, or learn more about using the archives.  

Questions? 

Contact us. We’re happy to help. 

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