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
- June 17, 2025
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CLOSED for a workshop
June 17, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
The Library Collaboratory is closed between 1 and 2pm.
Members are asked to return at a later time.
Thank you for your understanding. -
Creating and Printing a Lithophane
June 17, 2025 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.
This is an IN-PERSON workshop.
For more information and registration: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3897221
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- June 18, 2025
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Library Collaboratory New Membership Orientation
June 18, 2025 12:00 pm - 1:00 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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- June 20, 2025
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CLOSED for a workshop
June 20, 2025 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
IN-PERSONThe Library Collaboratory is closed between 1 and 2pm.
Members are asked to return at a later time.
Thank you for your understanding. -
Seeing Ourselves in Robots: A Curious Look at Anthropomorphism
June 20, 2025 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
IN-PERSONThis presentation will not be discussing Large Language Models (LLIM) or complex AI systems. And we won’t be building robots from scratch, either. Instead, come join us for a fun and curious look at how we humans can’t help but see life in machines.
Through simple robot demonstrations and interactive moments, participants will explore how easy it is to project emotions, intentions, and even personalities onto the most basic of robots. This presentation is a lighthearted dive into the very human habit of treating machines as though they are alive.
More information and registration: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3897222
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- June 24, 2025
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Text Mining & Topic Modelling with Orange 3
June 24, 2025 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
IN-PERSONStruggling 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.
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.
No technical or previous experience is required.
For more information and registration: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3897357
- July 1, 2025
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- July 16, 2025
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In the Field for Grad Students: How to do Qualitative Interviews, Start to Finish
July 16, 2025 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
ONLINEInterviews. Don’t we already know how to do interviews? What’s so special about talking to people? What’s the difference between talking to someone and conducting an interview?
Join two experienced scholars and practitioners who have years of experience working “in the field,” formally and informally interviewing people with different lived experiences, in a variety of settings, for a range of applications (including print publications, podcasts, radio features, documentary films and more). They offer tips, tools, and anecdotes from working in the field.
More information and registration: https://calendar.library.torontomu.ca/event/3897360
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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.