Special Collections: Archives and Rare Books at the John M. Kelly Library holds primary source materials, rare books, and manuscripts that offer rich learning opportunities for students. These collections support the development of skills in bibliography and primary-source research, as well as exploration of particular subjects and themes. We welcome and support students, instructors, faculty, and event organizers in making use of these resources.
What We Teach
Our archivists and librarians can help develop and facilitate instruction sessions to meet your needs. Common topics include:
- Handling rare books and fragile materials
- Introductions to archives and primary source research
- Distinguishing among Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Sources
- Using University of Toronto Libraries’ Discover Archives
- Subject specific materials relating to our rare book and special collections
For general research and writing help, or help with secondary source research, the John M. Kelly Librarians offer a variety of services for students and instructors.
Guides
Looking for primary-source archival records at the University of Toronto? This research guide offers practical guidance on archival research and tips for searching Discover Archives: Archival Research at U of T.
Who We Teach
The Kelly Library’s instruction program chiefly supports the St. Michael’s College Programs and the Regis St. Michael’s Faculty of Theology, while also working with faculty across adjoining language departments, the Toronto School of Theology, the Centre for Medieval Studies, the Pontifical Institute of Mediaeval Studies, and the University of Toronto more broadly.
Information For Instructors
Planning A Session
If you would like to plan a session in the Reading Room, use Special Collections material in an assignment, or request Special Collections resources to support your teaching in another way, please fill out the Teaching Support Request Form.
We encourage instructors to submit requests for teaching support as soon as possible. If needed, Special Collections staff can work with instructors to develop assignments and sessions after they have submitted the form.
Reading Room
In-person sessions using Special Collections materials are held in the Elizabeth Comper Reading Room on the second floor of the Kelly Library. The room’s standard capacity is 24 students, though this may be adjusted depending on the nature of the instructional activities. Instructors are encouraged to submit requests even if enrolment exceeds this number, as alternate arrangements may be possible.
Please note that the Elizabeth Comper Reading Room is not equipped with a projector or screen and cannot accommodate audiovisual components as part of instruction.
Requesting Materials
Special Collections material can be selected for use in sessions and assignments in consultation with Special Collections staff. For information on how to request materials, instructors can visit the Special Collections Access User Guide.
It is instructors’ responsibility to submit a final list of materials to be retrieved no less than 3 business days prior to their use.
Information For Students
In advance of their use of Special Collections material, instructors should distribute the following information to students:
- If students visit the Reading Room outside of class visits, they will have to register with UTL’s Special Collections Access system and create an appointment ahead of time. Students can visit the Special Collections Access User Guide for any questions about using the system.
- No bags and coats are allowed in the Reading Room.
- Bags and coats can be left in the lockers outside of the Reading Room. If the number of students exceeds the number of available lockers, alternate arrangements can be made.
- No pens can be used in the Reading Room.
- Only pencils, notebooks, or laptops can be used to take notes in the Reading Room.
- No food or drink (including water bottles) is allowed in the reading room.
- Students may take photographs of materials they consult in the reading room without flash, but it is their responsibility to comply with relevant copyright laws.
Contact Us
Questions? Concerns? Connect with the John M. Kelly Library Special Collections staff at specialcollections.kellylibrary@utoronto.ca.