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!
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.
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 to formulate research questions, borrow textbooks, and access media production and immersive studios. It’s all at the Library!
Access research help at TMU 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.
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.
TMU Libraries Immersion Studio
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.
TMU Libraries Material ConneXion
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.
We hope everyone is having a successful exam period. TheSpring/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
Associate Dean of Libraries, Scholarly, Research and Creative Activities, Lei Jin
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.”
Front cover of the 1865 German edition of Owen Jones’s Grammar of Ornament TMU Libraries’ Special Collections has recently acquired an 1865 German translation of Owen Jones’s Grammar of Ornament, printed by Day & Sons, the London-based publishers who printed the original 1856 English first edition. This newly acquired German edition was printed on the same, original plates as the English folio edition, but with translated text.
When the first English edition appeared,Jones’s Grammar became instantly influential not only because of its encyclopedic coverage, but also because of his development of colour printing technology. Jones’s work explored a vast array of cultural approaches to design, and his innovations in chromolithography enabled production, for the first time, of colour facsimiles in print.
His work also opened up a world of design to women–access which did not previously exist. “In an era when museums had gender and class restrictions on admission to their collections, this innovation enabled many readers, for the first time, to see works of art to which they did not have physical or geographical access,” says Special Collections Librarian, Holly Forsythe Paul.
Forsythe Paul also notes that “the Design Reform principles Jones painstakingly outlined in The Grammar were used to form the basis of a curriculum for women who trained at gendered art schools,” adding that “with the lessons based on Jones’s rules, women were trained for design industries, opening up employment in which they had previously been debarred.” These industries included: illustrative engraving, textiles, glassware, and ceramics. The book’s principles and designs allowed women to embark on new careers and become artists in their own right.
Indian No. 2 illustration in Jones’s Grammar of Ornament The Grammar of Ornament remains relevant as it represents a core work of the Anglo American tradition of graphic design, and offers a number of opportunities to research and examine history, design, culture, literature, image arts, and fashion.
For graphic art and design, Jones’s Grammar is a foundational book, particularly in the way it abstracts ornaments from their context, flattening them and presenting them in two dimensions as pure colour. Egyptian No.3 illustration in Jones’s Grammar of Ornament Study of the book however, goes beyond design. It offers a breadth of perspectives from which to research, such as women’s studies, history, book production, economics, and cultural studies. Jones’s Grammar is a rich resource for scholarly exploration. Pompeian No.2 illustration in Jones’s Grammar of Ornament TMU Libraries’ acquisition of this chromolithographic edition provides researchers with an authentic historical artifact that can be used in conjunction with common circulating print copies.
To learn more about the Grammar of Ornament and the scholarly opportunities it presents, contact TMU Libraries Special Collections Persan No.4 illustration in Jones’s Grammar of Ornament
In 1973 the face of nursing education would change in Ontario with the move of hospital schools of nursing into collegiate settings. The Ryerson School of Nursing (now the Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing DCSN) would merge with the schools from the Hospital for Sick Children, Women’s College Hospital, and the The Wellesley Hospital. This was the start of a close relationship between the DCSN and the Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae Association (WHSNAA) that continues today.
In 2011, 13 years after the hospital’s closure, the WHSNAA gifted their expansive archival collection to TMU Archives. Along with the physical collection, the Alumnae association established an endowment to help offset the cost for the preservation and care of the materials.
On the left is Linda Cooper, Wellesley ’68 and Professor Emerita, Daphne Cockwell School of Nursing and on the right is Shirley Heard, Wellesley ’62 – Alumnae Association President. Also in the picture is a small part of the collection now housed in the Toronto Metropolitan University Archives. Photo courtesy of University Advancement.
In recognition of the 50th anniversary of the amalgamation and in celebration of the continuing relationship, the three groups, the WHSNAA, the DSCN and the University Archives, have partnered to create an anniversary exhibition. The physical display, housed in the DCSN administrative offices, features artifacts and photographs that give you a window into the history of the Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing, the WHSNAA, and the DSCN. The online component of the exhibit, consisting of two blogs, will take an in-depth look at the topics introduced in the physical exhibit.
Read the full post about the opening of the Wellesley Hospital, the birth of a nursing school, early nurse training, the evolution of the uniform, and convocation at the Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing on the Archives and Special Collections site.
Embarking on a research project can be overwhelming. Knowing where to start, how to look for information and resources, and when to narrow your search can be daunting.
The good news is you’re not alone on your research journey. We are here to help! TMU Libraries has a number of research help options available to get you started.
Research help is available in-person, online, in real-time with our chat service Ask Us, and by appointment.
And, we’re also on YouTube. TMU subject librarians, Cecile Farnum, Fiona Kovacaj and Michelle Schwartz have collaborated to bring you a series of videos to get you started.
On June 12, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries will launch Omni, an academic search tool used by 18 Ontario university libraries and designed to bring library search and service functions together to provide a seamless, one-stop search experience for users.
TMU Libraries has been diligently working behind the scenes to implement this new search tool. While the search function will go live June 12 on the Libraries’ website, the system’s full functionality will continue to be phased in throughout the summer.
As a tool used by the majority of university libraries across the province, Omni fosters collaboration and facilitates the sharing of library collections. Once implementation is complete, TMU students, faculty, researchers and staff will be able to search for articles, books, ebooks, journals and other resources in a variety of formats at TMU Libraries AND search and borrow material items from 18 Ontario university libraries from within Omni.
So, what can you expect starting June 12? As we continue to introduce functionality throughout the summer, in June users will be able to use a new search interface. The functionality will be similar to the current system but you will notice:
Access to request items, place holds, check your account, customize your settings, and search TMU Libraries’ holding, will be done all in one place!
Academic resources (books, ebooks, journals, videos, etc.) continue to be easily searched through one search area.
Loan periods for students and faculty will be longer: 120 Days for most materials (excluding Reserve Items), and 14 days for audio-visual materials.
Note: there will be minimal to no changes in course reserve requests
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. 
TMU users can now search province-wide and access over 25 million print items through TMU Libraries
On June 12, Toronto Metropolitan University Libraries will launch Omni, an academic search tool used by 18 Ontario university libraries and designed to bring library search and service functions together to provide a seamless, one-stop search experience for users.