Visiting the Archives and Special Collections
The Archives and Research Collections Centre (ARCC) and its Reading Room are located on the main floor of the D.B. Weldon Library, WL 140.
The Reading Room is the public area in the ARCC where you can access archives, special collections, and do research.
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Planning your visit
Before you come to campus, please review our hours of operation.
Registration is required each time you visit the Archives and Special Collections. When you enter the Reading Room, a staff member will ask for photo ID in order to register your visit. You will be asked to store your bags, purse, backpacks, etc. in the provided lockers. Eating and drinking are not permitted.
We suggest that you bring a pencil, a USB, and a camera. Pencil and paper, a laptop or tablet may be used when taking notes.
Visitors can get guest access to the internet for the day by presenting a piece of photo ID at the Reading Room Info Desk. Staff will provide a temporary login and password that can be used with the guest computers located in the Reading Room.
If you are visiting from a participating post-secondary institution, you are eligible to access the eduroam wireless network, using the credentials from your home institution. If you are planning to use this service, please contact your own institution's IT support team.
We have a variety of cables, chargers, and adapters available for loan that are compatible with most laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
If you need images or text reproduced, ask staff for advice on what can be copied and your options for reproduction.
- You will need a PaperCut account to use the Print, Copy, Scan station.
- There is no charge for scanning to a USB or an email address.
- Staff mediated scanning and digital photo reproduction services are available, charges will apply, Reproduction Permission Fee Schedule.
- You will need to read the terms and conditions about the use of photography in the Reading Room, if you wish to take pictures.
- A microfilm reader/printer is available to scan images to USB or that can be sent to your Western email.
Expectations
Handling of archival materials and rare books
- Permissions must be obtained before using your camera.
- Ensure that your hands are clean prior to handling documents and / or rare books.
- Only pencils and paper, or a laptop / tablet may be used when taking notes.
- White cotton gloves (supplied by staff) must be used when handling photographic negatives, photographs, and very fragile items.
- Use one box at a time, if possible.
- Please use the file marker provided and do not rearrange folders within the box or documents within the folder.
- Do not apply pressure to the documents or place any items on the documents (use book weights, if necessary to keep items flat).
- Do not use page markers such as bookmarks, post-it notes, paper clips, pencils, etc. If you would like to mark a page, please use the file markers that are supplied by the staff.
- Turn pages at the corner only.
- Inform staff of missing, misfiled, or disordered files / items, damaged books, and / or uncut pages.
In order to keep the tables, clear we may leave some boxes or books / volumes on a book trolley. If you need assistance moving boxes, books, or volumes between the book trolley and the table, please see staff for assistance.
Copying and copyright
Copying at Western is subject to the Canadian Copyright Act (R.S.C.,1985, c. C-42). Infringing copyright is a serious matter and can have consequences for you and Western.
All members of the Western community need to be aware of and respect the intellectual property rights of others. Western is not responsible for infringing copies reproduced or transmitted by photocopiers, printers, or scanners made available on its premises.
Scent awareness
To ensure the health and safety of all who study, work, and visit here, Western requests your cooperation in maintaining a scent-free workplace.
