Where is the library? 

We are located in the Academic Resource Centre (AC), directly across from the Tim Hortons! 

What times is the library open? 

UTSC Library hours are listed on our website homepage; please note that we will be closed May 16-19 for the Victoria Day long weekend. For hours at other library locations across the tri-campus, please visit the Library Hours webpage. 

Who and what is a liaison? 

You can think of a Liaison Librarian as your personalized librarian! We liaise between researchers and the library based on various subject and functional specialties. Liaisons act as your first point of contact if you have any questions about research or the library during the course of your SiR program. 

How do we request a specific library staff member? 

Look for your librarian’s contact information on the homepage of this guide or on your team’s specific project page. You can also check out our Librarians page for a full list of contacts and their specialties. 

Can I return books that I got from U of T St. George libraries at the UTSC Library? 

As a general rule, yes! There can be some exceptions (e.g. books that are on short term loan or course reserves must be returned to the library that owns the book). If you aren’t sure, you can ask a staff member at the front desk in the library and they can confirm for you. 

What is available in the Makerspace? 

See our Technology Loans page for an overview of the Makerspace’s offerings. Please note you need to complete an orientation to gain access to the Makerspace and its equipment. The How to book page has more information on how to reserve in-house and circulating materials. 

Are we able to use the Makerspace in the library regularly for photo taking? Or can we only book the materials? 

We suggest reaching out to the Makerspace (makerspace.utsc@utoronto.ca) to request clarity on this. 

We are looking to document some artifacts, where could we take pictures, and where can we find materials to work with (backgrounds, cameras, etc.) 

Try starting with the Makerspace, there are lots of tools available through its technology library! (resources are linked in the two questions above) 

How could you go about digitizing images and objects? 

The Makerspace does have some tools available for digitizing (e.g. a scanner); for sensitive materials, you can try contacting our Archivist for advice at libraryarchives.utsc@utoronto.ca and learn more at the “Visit the Archives” section on the website.  

How could we apply to display an educational exhibit in the library? 

Contact your Liaison Librarian with a proposal for the exhibit and they can follow up with you about next steps. 

How would you recommend approaching categorizing primary sources? 

For a primer, please check out our primary sources guide! Also, we have different systems of metadata, like Dublic Core that can help to categorize and make primary sources discoverable. You can learn more about this via a library guide that supported a different SiR project. If you have follow-up questions on this piece, please reach out to your Liaison Librarian for assistance.

What are some good sources to start with to find primary research articles? 

Check out your group’s project page within this guide for suggestions on where to start finding primary research articles. Resources such as Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and LibrarySearch are all useful interdisciplinary tools for locating primary literature, however your librarian has also provided tailored resources on your project page which may scope results better to your topic. If you need any help navigating these resources, feel free to contact your librarian for follow-up assistance! 

How can we research primary material (physical) without using academic papers/journal articles? 

LibrarySearch, the U of T catalogue, has a ton of primary resources beyond academic papers and journal articles; once you’ve prepared a search using your key concepts and synonyms, check out the “Formats” filter on the left side of the page for any primary sources of interest. 

You can also explore our special collections of primary sources and archival material. Visit Discover Archives, a shared platform across University of Toronto Libraries, to explore holdings from our collection. You can also search for digitized special collections and archives. Your librarian may also have suggested some primary sources in your project pages on this guide as well, so definitely take a look at those! 

What are some surprising things in the library? 

Our unique collections are definitely a highlight! We have cookbooks, videogames and boardgames, new releases of movies and TV shows on DVD sewing machines, and more! Also, if you look around, we have a gallery of beautiful art by Canadian and Scarborough artists. Hint, visit the lounge space on the left side of the library where you'll find an incredible mural.