Welcome to the TMU Library Collaboratory
The Library Collaboratory is a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary research space equipped with 3D printers, laser cutter, prototyping tools and more, for graduate students, faculty members, including sessional instructors, and researchers at the Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU). Our workshops and events are open to the entire TMU community. Access to the Library Collaboratory, staff expertise and technology resources are for members of the space Library Collaboratory only.
Membership is free. Learn more about membership here.
Accessing the Library Collaboratory:
The Library Collaboratory is open to faculty, research staff and graduate students.
The Library Collaboratory is staffed Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The Library Collaboratory is available to members whenever Library Building is open, via card access.
Find the Library Collaboratory in the Library Building via the SLC Building. Upon entering the SLC Building, take the elevator up to the 3rd floor. Turn left and look for the Library Collaboratory at the end of the hall, marked by large yellow doors.
If you are interested in a particular piece of technology, contact staff at collab@torontomu.ca to make an appointment for training or consultation.
For Faculty, Research Staff and Graduate Students
Registered members of the Library Collaboratory are free to explore the possibilities for prototyping, learn new and emerging technologies, update fabrication and/or design skills, and explore the possibilities for interdisciplinary research. The Library Collaboratory is open to all faculty, research staff and graduate students at TMU, for barrier-free access to technology. Learn more about technology resources and membership.
For Registered Members’ Research Projects & Teams
Researchers (Faculty or Staff) who are also registered members of the Library Collaboratory who have a project team or would like dedicated space work can apply with a research project. Registered Research Leads whose research assistants need space to work or access to technology are welcome to register their project. Learn more about registering a research project at this link.
How we can help
Through the Library Collaboratory, TMU Libraries provides access to workspace and technology resources for TMU faculty, sessional instructors, research staff, and graduate students.
Community + Workspace
Researchers and/or research teams get access to a multi-configurable work space for research meetings or physical fabrication, a quiet room for interviews, and more.
Consultants + Project Support
Collaboratory Consultants are available to assist and advise on project development. Our diverse skill set covers a variety of technologies and disciplines.
Technologies + Fabrication
Access 3D printers, laser cutters, digital embroidery machines and more. Consultants on staff can provide members with one-on-one tutorials for technology resources.
Upcoming Events
- January 30, 2026
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- February 9, 2026
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- February 10, 2026
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Creating and Printing a Lithophane
February 10, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
IN-PERSONA lithophane is an object for the display of an image in 3D relief. Illuminated from behind, light passes through layers of translucent material, revealing the image in detail. Invented in the early 19th century, and originally made of porcelain or bone china, lithophanes are becoming popular again because of modern 3D printing techniques. 3D printing techniques permit far easier and faster methods for making lithophanes.
Participants will learn how to:
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Prepare an image to be printed as a lithophane;
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3D print the image;
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Display a printed lithophane.
No prior experience is necessary.
Participants are required to bring their own laptop, and encouraged to choose an image to work with, in advance of the workshop. There are no constraints on resolution or image size. The printed lithophane will be between 10x10cm and 20x20cm. Participants may wish to choose an image that will look reasonable at that size.
Participants should also install Bambu Studio in advance. Bambu Studio is free and available at this link: https://bambulab.com/en/download/studio
Learn more and register here: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3979549
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- February 13, 2026
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Library Collaboratory New Member Orientation
February 13, 2026 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
This orientation is by invitation only.
If you cannot attend this orientation, contact collab@torontomu.ca to make other arrangements.
If you have not received an invitation, contact collab@torontomu.ca to inquire.
Finding the Library Collaboratory
The Library Collaboratory is located on the 3rd floor of the Library Building. The main entrance to the Library Collaboratory is via the SLC Building.
Take the elevator up to the 3rd floor of the SLC Building.
Turn left: the Library Collaboratory is at the end of the hall, marked with large yellow doors.
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- February 16, 2026
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- February 18, 2026
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Conference Presentations for Grad Students
February 18, 2026 11:00 am - 12:30 pm
ONLINEThis workshop is designed to help graduate students prepare for their next conference presentation, whether it’s their first or fifteenth. An introduction from start to finish, the workshop will cover initial preparations, strategies and methods for effective presentation techniques, and tips and tricks to address fears and doubts.
Created by grad students, for grad students, the workshop will explore different types and modes of presenting, and guide participants through the entire process–from writing and submitting an application to the big day. This workshop is open to both grad students who have experience and are interested in honing their skills, and to grad students with no experience (yet).
Learn more and register here: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3979554
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- February 24, 2026
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Text Mining & Topic Modelling with Orange 3
February 24, 2026 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
IN-PERSON WORKSHOPStruggling to efficiently review extensive research literature? Join this hands-on walkthrough workshop to learn how topic modeling and Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) can streamline your literature review process with the help of the open-source tool, Orange 3.
In this peer-to-peer learning workshop, you will learn how guest instructor Zahra, a TMU Professional Communication graduate student, is actively using topic modelling in her own research.
Participants will learn how text analysis capabilities of Orange 3 can speed up and automate literature reviews by analyzing papers without getting bogged down in manual reviews.
Using a case study of “binge-watching," participants will be shown how to use this tool to efficiently uncover the core themes and topics within large volumes of text and research data.
Learn more and register here: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3979552
- February 26, 2026
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Black Histories Edit-a-thon
February 26, 2026 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Representation matters. Not just on screens and pages, but in the information and data we share. Join us in the Library Collaboratory to celebrate Black History Month by learning to edit Wikipedia. Anyone can make a difference by helping to improve coverage of Black histories online. Come for community, and learn to edit Wikipedia pages if you're new!
This event is open to the public and themed around the Toronto music scene.
We will begin at noon with a keynote by Sam Tecle, a leading scholar in Black and Diaspora Studies at TMU, exploring how hip hop reveals the deeper sociology of Toronto — how rhythm becomes resistance, and how the city’s artists have documented belonging, struggle, and pride in real time.
The keynote will followed by optional training for beginners. Collective editing will begin after the training.
Drop in and out anytime. A warm lunch will be provided.
Bring your own laptop. A few library laptops will be available for loan.
Participants will be eligible to win gift cards to A Different Booklist.
Learn more and register here: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3977359
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Logo and Acknowledgment
All researchers and (and associated assistants) who access TMU Library Collaboratory resources (including consultation, workspace and training) in support of their research are required to acknowledge this support by displaying the Toronto Metropolitan University Library logo. Follow the link for more information.