Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) building located?

See Where We Are.

What are the opening hours during which I can access the collection and avail myself of LAC's services?

See Facilities and Regulations.

During which government of Canada statutory holidays will LAC be closed?
(If a holiday occurs during a weekend, LAC will be closed on the following Monday.)

How can I obtain a LAC user card?

Use our online User Card Registration Form.

Do I need to make an appointment or can I just come by?

• Our on-site services are available to all registered users without appointment.
  
  
• Please come to the Reference Desk (see Reference Rooms). If yours is a complex request, an appointment with a subject specialist can be booked at that time.

Where can I park?

See Public Transit and Parking.

Can the building at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa be reached via public transit?

See Public Transit and Parking.

What can I bring with me into the reference and consultation rooms while conducting research at LAC?

You are allowed to bring:

• research notes, lead pencils, a laptop, a tape recorder. You may only bring those items required for your research; they have to be put into a transparent plastic bag that the commissionaire will give you.

You are not allowed to bring the following items:

• coats, knapsacks, umbrellas or briefcases. These items must be stored in a locker in the Cloak Room. See Facilities and Regulations.

Where can I eat?

• The cafeteria on the fifth floor is open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
  
  
• No food or drink is allowed outside the cafeteria.

Is Internet access available at LAC?

A few workstations located in the Reference Rooms of LAC are connected to the Internet; their use is restricted to research purposes.

LAC also provides free wireless access to the Internet in the Reference Rooms and Consultation Rooms of the main building at 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa. To take advantage of the free access, you need a laptop with wireless access and a cell phone with the "text messaging" feature.

Are the LAC building and its facilities accessible to people with disabilities?

See Accessibility

Which major databases provide access to LAC's collection?

See Research Tools

What if I'm unable to come to LAC in person…

See:

Hiring a free-lance researcher

Interlibrary and Inter-institutional Loans

Photocopies and Reproductions

Ask Us a Question

Does LAC host special events?

Yes. See What's On.

Can LAC facilities be made available for public events?

Yes. See Facilities and Regulations: Exhibition Rooms/Auditorium/Conference Rooms and Meeting Rooms.

Is there lodging in the vicinity of 395 Wellington Street in Ottawa?

See Lodging.

What is the cost of photocopies and reproductions?

See Photocopies and Reproductions: Price List and Service Standards.

Am I allowed to bring books or documents home with me?

No. All LAC documents have to be consulted on-site.

Are there fees for LAC's reference services?

No. All services are free of charge with the exception of orders for photocopies and reproductions.

Can I send a question to LAC?

See Ask Us a Question.