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HelpFrequently asked questions
What is the National Library of Canada? What is the National Library of Canada? The National Library of Canada is a federal institution located in Ottawa. Established in 1953, its main role is to acquire, preserve and promote the published heritage of Canada. The Library is recognized as one of the nation's foremost centres for research in Canadian Studies and as a showcase for Canadian literature and music. Who can use the National Library? Anyone. Where is the Library located? The National Library of Canada, as well as the National Archives of Canada, is located in downtown Ottawa at: 395 Wellington Street General enquiries: E-mail: What are the hours the Library is open? Main Reading Room and
Microform Reading Room: Reference Room,
Copying Services and
Circulation Services: Special Collections Reading Room and Services: What kind of research can I do? The National Library's collections cover a wide range of subjects, allowing users to conduct all types of research. The collections are especially invaluable for those looking for information in the areas of Canadian history, genealogy, literature and music. When in town, you can take a tour of the National Library and the National Archives. Or, click on the virtual tour. Do you have anything besides books? The National Library's collection contains 18 million items. This includes books, as well as newspapers, magazines, government publications, literary manuscripts and tapes, records and compact discs. In addition, the Rare Book Division houses one of the largest collections of rare Canadiana in the world with some material dating back to the 16th century. The Library also has a variety of material on microfiche, microfilm and CD-ROM as well as a small but growing collection of electronic publications. Register online with AMICUS to search the holdings of hundreds of Canadian libraries including the National Library. What about cultural activities? The National Library offers cultural activities throughout the year, featuring well-known Canadians such as author Carol Shields and pianist Angela Hewitt. It also hosts readings by the Governor General's Literary Award winners and the annual National Library lecture. As well, there is the popular "Savoir Faire" series organized by researchers and staff of the National Library that highlights different areas of the Library's collections. In addition to literary and musical events, the National Library also holds exhibitions and displays such as Oscar Peterson: A Jazz Sensation and prints and rare books from Australia taken from the Rare Book Division of the National Library. Check out the calendar for a listing of current and upcoming public events, or pick one up at the Information Desk at the Library. The National Library is interested in what Canadians want to see and hear. If you have an idea for an exhibition or display that highlights Canada's literary or musical life, contact the National Library. How do I use the National Library's resources? You can contact the Library directly, either in person, by telephone, fax, letter, electronic mail or through the website. Before approaching the National Library, you are encouraged to explore the resources offered by your local public library, university or special library. Often, they are better equipped to serve basic or very specialized information needs that are not directly related to Canadian topics. To arrange an interlibrary loan of material from the National Library, please consult your local library. Log onto resAnet to search the catalogue of the National Library. Is the Library accessible to people with disabilities? The National Library is accessible to people with disabilities, including an outside access ramp at the front of the building for wheelchairs and automatic door openers throughout the building. Additional information on other services to persons with disabilities is available from the National Library. How do I register with the library? Visitors are asked to stop at the Information and Registration desk in the ground floor lobby between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday. Staff will issue a researcher user card that is valid for one year. Where can I park? There are a limited number of public spaces on the west side of the National Library building. Parking is permitted for two free hours only. On the east side, there are two spaces for those with disabled parking permits. There are also several public parking lots and some streets with parking meters in the vicinity of the Library. Where can I eat? There is a cafeteria on the 5th floor of the Library building. Hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Does the Library provide Internet access? The National Library provides Internet access via three workstations located in the Reference Room on the 2nd floor. How do I obtain permission to reproduce materials and graphics found on the National Library website? Some of the materials and graphics found on the National Library of Canada website are protected by copyright owned by other organizations or individuals. In such cases, there may be restrictions on the reproduction, requiring users of this site to seek permission from the copyright owner prior to reproducing the materials. To obtain information concerning copyright ownership and restrictions on reproduction on this site, please contact the Copyright Service Bureau by e-mail at copyright/droit_d'auteur@nlc-bnc.ca, by fax at (613) 996-1341, or by mail: National Library of Canada How do I contact the National Library? You can contact the National Library in person, or by mail, telephone, fax or electronic mail at the following: National Library of Canada Telephone: Fax: E-mail: |