Growth | Innovation | The Future

 

The building

This year, the Library building celebrates its 50th anniversary, a milestone marking an opportunity to reflect back and look ahead to the next fifty years.

In 1974, the Library building—designed by Webb Zerafa Menkes Housden Partnership (WZMP), the same firm that designed the CN Tower (also under construction in 1974!)—opened at the corner of Gould and Victoria, becoming a new landmark for the university.  

Discussions for the building began in the late 1960s, with construction beginning in 1972. The brutalist style architecture, which embraced ideals of simplicity and functionalism, complemented the egalitarian function of the library as a place to access information, while also highlighting modern ideas and new ways of thinking. The design was not only forward thinking, it also embodied the creative, scholarly, and practical work happening at the institution and within the Library.

Images courtesy of TMU Archives & Special Collections, RG 122.10.93

 

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1970s

When it opened, the Library was called the Learning Resource Centre, and the building was shared with faculties and departments. Throughout the 1970s the Centre (Library) grew, acquiring collections and resources that addressed the needs of a growing academic institution. 

Throughout the decade, the Centre introduced new services and outreach programs for students, and embraced innovative technologies for automation and access, becoming, for example, the first library in North America to install IBM’s DOBIS/LIBIS online computer system, which operated all circulation and inter-library loans. Media collections, digitization of resources, and new study and gathering areas helped to facilitate cross-disciplinary collaborations, and highlight the Centre as an ecosystem for research, learning and creative pursuits. 

Over the next four and half decades the Resource Centre would become the Ryerson University Library and Archives, and now TMU Libraries. It would (and still) continue to push innovation and advances in academic library services, resources, programming and opportunities for the university community. 

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1980s

In the 1980s, budget cuts loomed large over academic institutions. Despite cuts, the school continued to grow, and the Library continued to develop collections, services, and programs to meet the expanding needs of faculty, researchers and students. 

The Library participated in a new network system developed by engineers at the federal Department of Communications. The network was composed of library terminals that linked to terminals in homes and other education institutions, allowing users to retrieve information from numerous connected databases. 

While the system wasn’t sustainable, the Library was on the cusp of what would one day be possible: the sharing of collections across academic libraries. 

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1990s

In the 1990s, technological improvements to searching and accessing information happened quickly. In 1990, two new CD-ROM terminals were installed, which, for the first time put searching and discovery of electronic resources in the hands of library users.

Just one year later, faculty and students were able to access library services and collections via the university’s mainframe, enabling 24/7 access from onsite computer workstations and homes. Library users could now search collections, place interlibrary loan requests, email research help questions, and view research guides from their own computers. 

The 1990s also saw the development of the Library’s first website, providing access to the library catalogue, subject research guides, and information about library collections, hours, and services. 

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2000s

In 2000, the Library introduced its first online chat service, which provided real-time online research help to the community. Users could now get immediate research help from home. In 2002, the Library pioneered a collaborative chat service together with York University and the University of Guelph, which opened up more availability for real-time research assistance. The service continues today as Ask Us, and includes sixteen libraries across Ontario.

Between 2000 to 2010, many changes to the building also took place. 

Alumnus Ronald D. Besse donated one million dollars to establish the Ronald D. Besse Information and Learning Commons on the main floor (2nd floor) of the Library. The Commons opened in 2004, with 140 computer workstations that provided access to the internet, electronic resources and productivity software. 

In 2007, the Library renovated the 3rd and 4th floor of the building, adding study space, including five new carrels with state-of-the-art adaptive technology for students with disabilities, and a new home for the University Archives and Special Collections.

 

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2010s

In 2015, after receiving a generous donation from Isaac Olowolafe Jr., the Library opened the Isaac Olowolafe Jr. Digital Media Experience Lab (DME). Housed on the 3rd floor of the SLC building, the Library’s DME opened to assist, primarily undergraduate students, in learning basic and advanced technology skills, while providing access to new and emerging technology. The DME quickly became a resource to support student learning in the classroom as well as extracurricular pursuits.

In 2017, the Library Collaboratory opened on the 3rd floor of the Library building. The Collaboratory was, and continues to be, the Library’s first space dedicated to graduate students and faculty in need of collaborative research space, access to technology and technological support. The multidisciplinary research space continues to expand access to technology, including 3D printers, a laser cutter, drones, and prototyping tools. 

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2020s

In early 2020, the Law Library opened on the 4th floor of the Podium building. Supporting the new Lincoln Alexander School of Law, the Law Library became the first branch library, and along with the university name change, the Ryerson University Library became TMU Libraries.

However, shortly after opening, all services went online as the university closed its buildings due to Covid-19. The Libraries quickly adjusted, offering online programming, services, research help, contactless drop offs, and pickups. 

Prior to the pandemic, plans were formulating to install an Immersion Studio on the 3rd floor of the Library, and in 2021, those plans were realized, providing students with access to an immersive space to develop projects and present research–all with the support of an immersive technology specialist.

One year later, in 2022, TMU Libraries installed a Material ConneXion collection. The 1000 piece onsite collection of material items was added to complement an online collection of 10,000 items. Students and faculty now have hands-on access to explore a variety of materials representing current trends in design, materials research and production. 

The Libraries opened a Media Production Studio in 2023. The beginner level studio is the first Library space to offer podcasting, video production, and photography in support of creative research endeavors in all subject areas. 

And, this year, the Libraries launched Omni, a new search tool which connects the TMU Libraries catalogue to 18 other Ontario university libraries (making, what the Libraries had explored in the 1980s – the sharing of collections – a reality), expanding access to over 25 million material items for all TMU students, faculty, researchers and staff.

 

What’s next…

Throughout the past 50 years, TMU Libraries has grown to now occupy ten floors of the Library building, and will soon be opening a second branch library supporting the new School of Medicine in Brampton. It has always, and continues to, push innovation in library services and resources, while meeting the needs of the university and advancing the research excellence of our community. The brutalist architecture showcases egalitarian ideals and function, while continuing to be modern and forward-thinking. The building design at the time represented a futuristic view that continues to hold. 

Learn more about the Library building and join us as we look towards celebrating the next 50 years of TMU Libraries and the Library building.

 

 

 

You’ve done your research, collected your information and data, now it’s time to present. 

Looking for creative approaches to present your research? Need access to digital or technical equipment? We can help.

At TMU Libraries you not only have access to academic materials, such as journals, books, and databases, but you also have access to podcasting equipment, video and sound editing tools and software, photography equipment, 3D modeling software and printing, as well as immersive technology.

The best part is you can be a complete beginner or an expert. The Libraries have staff that can help you learn how to use equipment, or simply provide advice if you already know what you are doing.

At the Libraries’ Media Production Studio students have the opportunity to develop a podcast, create and edit videos or take still photographs. Criminology, business, social work and early childhood education students have all taken advantage of this beginner friendly space.

At Libraries’ Digital Media Experience Lab (DME) you have access to 3D modeling and printing, virtual reality equipment, sewing machines and more. You can learn to create a 3D model and print it, or learn to sew garments or knit.

If you are looking to create a full immersive experience to present a documentary, or even a history project, the Libraries Immersion Studio is just the place to go! 

For all your creative scholarly work, staff and librarians at TMU Libraries will help you get started. They are here to help you learn about the equipment and support you throughout the process.

Visit the Libraries to learn more!

Join TMU Libraries for “Handing you the keys to open access,” a talk by Dr. Monica Granados, director of Open Science at Creative Commons

International Open Access Week is a global event held annually in October to raise awareness of the benefits of Open Access in the academic community.

This year’s theme builds on last year’s “Community over Commercialization” focus — a prompt to prioritize approaches to open scholarship that serve the best interests of the public and the academic community.

In recognition of International Open Access Week, TMU Libraries is hosting a talk by Dr. Monica Granados titled, “Handing you the keys to open access”

Dr. Monica Granados has a PhD in ecology from McGill University. While working on her PhD, Monica discovered incentives in academia promote practices that make knowledge less accessible and has since devoted her career to working in the open science space in pursuit of making knowledge more equitable and accessible. She has worked on open knowledge initiatives with Mozilla, the Government of Canada and is a co-founder of PREreview. Monica is now Director of Open Science at Creative Commons working on promoting open access of scientific research.

Faculty and graduate students are encourage to join us and learn more about how open access can help academics find a wider audience for their research.

Register

 

If you’re in the process of researching for assignments, projects and essays it’s important to think about how you’re keeping track, organizing and citing your resources. 

TMU Libraries can get you started with citation workshops, online tools as well as guides to help you learn to use those tools. Zotero is a free online tool that allow you to collect, organize, cite, and share your research sources, organize articles and create bibliographies.

Each semester, librarians offer workshops on Zotero that walk through the basics on tracking, organizing, and generating citations. This will save you time and energy!

The Library also provides online guides that help you get started, explain the benefits of the tools and how to use them.

To get started and learn more, check out the guide (Zotero) and when the next workshop is being offered!

 

At TMU Libraries, you have access to over 500,000 ebooks, 100,000 electronic journals, magazines, professional publications and newspapers, 60,000 streaming videos, and more than 25 million print across 19 Ontario university libraries–thanks to the Libraries’ implementation of Omni. 

Sound like a lot? It’s ok, we’re here to help. We’ll work with you to sort through it all and find the resources and information you need!

Here’s where to start:

Subject librarians can help you understand the available resources, how to access, and use them to retrieve useful information. 

Subject guides are curated by librarians. These are excellent places to source specific resources that contain research and information in different subject areas.

Finally, learn how to search in Omni, the Libraries new academic search tool. Omni enables you to search the TMU Libraries’ holdings, while also searching the libraries of 18 additional universities. And, if a print item isn’t available at TMU, you can request from a different library, pick up and drop off here! Learn more about Omni!

Questions? Email us at: refdesk@torontomu.ca!

 

 

Getting started on research projects and assignments? Visit the Library! 

Librarians can work with you to help you understand the research process at any and every step along the way. 

“My number one pro tip for students at all levels is to get in touch with your subject liaison librarian,” says Mark Robertson, dean of Libraries. “Subject librarians can connect you to all the tools, information resources and services available to you, as well as walk you through the research process.”

Whether you are new to research or a graduate student it’s important to understand the resources, process, services and opportunities available to help you succeed.

Research help is offered in a variety of ways at the Library.  You can drop-in, request an online appointment,  or chat in real-time. It’s easy, all you need to do is ask.

The Library also offers a number of research skills workshops that help you learn how to navigate resources. You’ll learn how to formulate research questions, narrow your focus and select keywords and search strategies that save you time and allow you to retrieve useful information.

Getting started with research? Ask us!

• Find your subject librarian
• Get research help
• Learn to formulate effective research questions
• Search subject guides for books, ebooks, journals and more
• Take a workshop, sharpen your research skills

 

TMU users can now search province-wide and access over 25 million print items through TMU Libraries

This summer, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries launched Omni, an academic search tool designed to bring library search and service functions together to provide a seamless, one-stop search experience for users. 

Omni, the name of the academic search tool developed through the Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL), fosters collaboration across Ontario academic libraries and facilitates sharing of collections across the province. The tool enhances discovery and delivery of information resources at TMU Libraries and at Omni partner institutions. TMU users can now search for articles, books, ebooks, journals and other resources in a variety of formats at TMU Libraries as well as print items at 18 Ontario other university libraries.

“I am thrilled that TMU has implemented Omni.  Not only does this improve the experience of discovery for TMU students and researchers, but being part of the Omni network means that we will be integrated into an Ontario wide research collection,” says Mark Robertson, dean of Libraries. “This will radically expand our community’s access to collections.”

Now the TMU community can search for resources across the province, and can easily request to borrow print items from our Omni partners. This opens up access to over 25 million print items. 

The transition to Omni means that: 

• Users can borrow anywhere and return anywhere, eliminating the need to request interlibrary loans from partner libraries. They can search and request print materials from TMU Libraries or 18 other academic libraries across Ontario. For more details, see Request Materials through Omni.
• There are longer loan periods and unlimited renewals on print items.

Omni is also now home to student, faculty, researchers and staff  library accounts. 

Learn more about Omni 

Omni partner libraries:

• Algoma University
• Brock University
• Carleton University
• University of Guelph
• Lakehead University
• Laurentian University
• McMaster University
• Nipissing University
• OCAD University
• University of Ontario Institute of Technology
• University of Ottawa
• Queen’s University
• Trent University
• University of Waterloo
• Western University
• Wilfrid Laurier University
• University of Windsor
• York University

 

Learn to formulate research questions, borrow textbooks, and access media production and immersive studios.  It’s all at the Library!

 

Research help

Researching for a project, essay or assignment? Visit the Library.

Librarians can help you understand every step of the research process. Whether you are new to research or a graduate student, it’s important to know the resources, process, services and opportunities available to help you succeed.

Research help is offered in a variety of ways: you can drop-in, request an online appointment, chat in real-time, or sign up for a workshop. 

It’s easy, all you need to do is ask!

Check out these helpful services and resources:

• Learn to formulate effective research questions
• Get research help
• Research help guide
• Take a workshop, sharpen your research skills

 

Access the information you need!

This year TMU Libraries introduced a new academic search tool called Omni that allows you to seamlessly access and search TMU Libraries, as well as 18 other Ontario university libraries–all in one place, at the same time!

Not only do you have access to over hundreds of thousands of ebooks, electronic journals, magazines, professional publications, newspapers, and streaming videos through TMU Libraries, but you can now access over 25 million physical items from 18 other Ontario university libraries, thanks to Omni.

Feeling overwhelmed and wondering where to start?

Subject librarians can help you understand available resources, and how to access and use them. Find your subject librarian

Subject guides are curated by librarians. These are excellent resources that contain access to research and information in specific subject areas.

 

Take advantage of the Media Production and Immersive Studios, and the Digital Media Experience Lab

These spaces and studios are for you! Regardless of what you’re studying you have access to photography, video, sound editing and podcasting equipment. 

If you’re interested in creating an immersive experience for a project you’re working on, the TMU Libraries’ Immersion Studio provides you with the support and resources to make it happen.

At the Digital Media Experience Lab you have access to media stations, 3D modelling software and printers, sewing machines and so much more.

And, the Media Production Studio is a beginner space where you can learn video editing, podcasting or still photography.

Staff are onsite to assist you whether you’re a beginner or an expert!

 

Borrow textbooks, laptops, camera kits and microphones

Of course you can check out print material at the Circulation Desk, but did you know you can also borrow textbooks, laptops, cameras, tripods, GoPros, and microphones?

Check the loan periods, and the equipment borrowing and lending pages for more information.

 

Specialized collections, and spaces

Material ConneXion is an onsite textile and material collection of items to explore, examine and research. This collection provides a tactile understanding of materials, and information about each item, e.g. the type of material, what the make up is, if it’s sustainable. 

While it is available to all students, it is primarily used by interior design, fashion, engineering, architecture and business students.

Geospatial Map and Data Centre (GMDC) provides access to specialised geospatial software, data and statistical resources. There are data, map and GIS librarians, analysts, and a statistical consultant and learning specialist who can assist and provide instruction on how to find, examine and work with statistics, data and GIS information and software. There is also a large print map collection!

Special Collections offers access to rare books and primary source material like Canadian World War II comic books, Late Victorian avant-garde magazines, an original chromolithic edition of the Grammar of Ornament, a thank you note from Winston Churchill and so much more. Explore unique opportunities for research from the history of fashion and graphic design to women artists in the 19th century.

TMU Archives holds the historic record of the university from its days as a polytechnic institute to becoming a university. Explore images of campus life from the first days of nursing studies, activism, journalism, and even the construction of the Library building.

 

Study spaces, computer stations and labs

There are nine floors (2 – 10) available for work and study, each offering different types of spaces and seating options. 

There are computer stations and labs, group study rooms, open group tables, and individual carrols and soft seating. 

Learn more and find your favourite study spot!

 

 

We hope everyone is having a successful exam period. The Spring/Summer term is almost complete!

• Please clear any outstanding fines and return overdue items as soon as possible. Head to the renewals page to see if you have overdue items or fines greater than $25. Students with fines greater than $25 will not be able to view their grades until their accounts are cleared.
• All fines can be paid to TMU Libraries at the Circulation Desk either by VISA, MasterCard, American Express or with your OneCard. TMU Libraries also accepts credit card payment by phone. Please call: 416-979-2149. We do not accept personal cheques.

If you have questions or concerns about fines or overdue items, please contact Libraries Circulation access@torontomu.ca

TMU Libraries is excited to announce the appointment of Lei Jin to the position of Associate Dean of Libraries, Scholarly, Research and Creative Activities.

Jin has been with TMU Libraries since 2003, initially joining as a Serials Librarian. She then moved into the position of Electronic Resources Librarian where she oversaw the management and acquisition of the Libraries’ digital collections and licensing. 

She has served as the Interim Associate Dean of Libraries, SRC since September 2023, has been the Acting Head of Collections, and the co-chair of the Ontario Council of University Libraries’ Information Resources Committee. She is also the co-founder of the Canadian chapter of the Chinese American Library Association (CALA), and was recently elected as CALA’s Incoming Vice President/President Elect. 

In her new role, Jin will provide strategic leadership to the Libraries’ role in SRC at the university, including overseeing a newly formed research support group that will meet growing demands in Research Data Management, Open Access, Institutional Repository and Research Impact Assessment.

“I’m looking forward to making positive changes, whether through process improvements or service enhancements,” says Jin. “Creating an inclusive learning environment where all patrons feel supported in their academic pursuits, is a priority for me.”

Jin will be focusing on relationship building to advance the Libraries’ central role in research and scholarship, as well as working closely with faculty and librarians to ensure excellence in research support. 

“I’m very excited to have Lei as a member of the Library’s senior leadership team.” says Dean of Libraries Mark Robertson. “She is a gifted leader with a wealth of expertise in the support of SRC and in the development of library collections.”