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Who may use the Archives?
Anyone may use the Archives of Ontario. To visit our Reading Rooms, you
must present identification and obtain a Research Pass. Please see Visiting
the Archives for more details.
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What does the Archives of Ontario hold?
See Our Collections for an overview
of the historical records held by the Archives of Ontario. For more detailed
descriptions of our holdings, search our online
databases.
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Can I research my family history at the Archives?
The Archives of Ontario holds important sources that can help you trace
your family history in Ontario. Keep in mind that the records we hold
relate almost entirely to Ontario. Please see our Genealogical Research
pages for more information about family history sources at the Archives.
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Where is the Archives located and when is it open?
Please see Location, Hours, Phone Numbers and E-mail for details.
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Can I access archival records online?
At this time, we have digitized only a small selection of photographs
and documentary art. These can be searched online using our Visual
Database. You may use our Archives Descriptive Database to search
descriptions of archival records and BIBLiON to search a catalogue of our library holdings.
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What if I can't come to the Archives?
It is possible to conduct some of your research without coming to our
Reading Rooms. You can:
- Use our website to read about our holdings and services. Use our online
databases to search descriptions of our archival records and
library materials. Use our Visual
Database to search for a selection of digitized photographs and documentary art.
- Borrow microfilm copies of some of our records through our Microfilm Interloan Service. This service allows you to borrow microfilm copies of
archival records through your local library.
- Send an enquiry by e-mail, mail, fax or telephone. Due to limited
resources, we cannot conduct detailed research for you. However, we can
tell you whether we hold records that are relevant to your enquiry or advise
you of possible alternative sources.
- Hire an independent researcher. If you require more detailed research
assistance, you may wish to hire an independent researcher. Please see our
list of Genealogical Researchers in Ontario and our Freelance Researchers
List.
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Are all archival records available for viewing?
Some government records contain sensitive personal information or other
confidential data. While everyone has a right to information held by the
Ontario government, including your own personal information, the Ontario
Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act places some limits on
this right. Please see our Customer Service Guide for more information on the Act and how it may affect your research.
Some private sector records have been donated to the Archives with certain
conditions on access as part of the donation agreement.
Records may also be closed for conservation treatment or if they are being
microfilmed. Access to original records will also be restricted if a
reference copy in another format, such as microfilm, is available.
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How much time will it take to research at the Archives?
Archival research can be exciting and challenging. It can also be time
consuming.
Archival records are more complex and difficult to research than books and
there is no single subject index to the collection. Unless we advise you
before you visit that we have identified relevant records you should allow
yourself a minimum of several hours to search for, order and read the
records. If your inquiry is complex or you are doing detailed research you
will probably need more than one visit.
Once you have ordered the records, the time it will take us to deliver them
to the reading room will vary, depending on whether they are held on site
(retrievals every hour) or off site (minimum 2-3 business days for
retrieval). You should check at the time of ordering the records how long it
will take for them to be delivered to the reading room.
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What if I have special needs?
The Archives building is wheelchair accessible. If you have special needs, please let us know in advance of your visit so that we can try to arrange to provide special assistance.
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What if I plan to publish copies of Archival material?
We can provide a copy of records for research and private study
under an exception of the Copyright Act (section 30.21). Any further copying
or use of the records by you (e.g. publication or use on a web site) is
subject to the restrictions imposed by the Copyright Act.
If you plan to use any of the reproductions you ordered from the Archives of Ontario beyond research or private study please refer to Customer Service Guide 108: Copyright and Your Research and submit a Request for Permission to Publish, Exhibit or Broadcast form.
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How do I cite archival records in my publication?
The correct citation of archival records is important both when
requesting them from the Archives and when referring to them in written or
published works. Correct citations will not only help us to locate the
records you are seeking, but will also help other researchers to find the
material you have used if they wish to examine it for themselves. Please
see Customer Service Guide 107: Guide to Citing Archival Records.
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Where can I get more information?
You may telephone, write, e-mail, or fax. Archives staff will be glad
to answer questions you may have about the services that we provide.
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