Category Archives: Document Consultation Services

Tips and tricks on how to use a microform reader

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Numerous documents belonging to Library and Archives Canada’s collection have been copied to microfiche and microfilm (some of which are available via AMICUS, and others via self-service at 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa). First-time researchers may find the equipment required to view this material somewhat confusing.

Therefore, we have prepared a quick list of Do’s and Don’ts to guide you in the proper use and handling of these machines so that your research may be profitable.

DO’s:

  • Prepare ahead of time for your visit and order material in advance, if necessary. To learn how, please consult our previous blog article: “The Top Five Things You Need to Know Before You Visit”.
  • Retrieve your microfilm from the Consultation Reading Room shelves, which are organized by the first letter of your surname, or retrieve self-serve microfilm from the Consultation Reading Room microfilm drawers.
  • Sign in with the Consultation staff in the Microfilm Reading Room for access to a microform reader.
  • Ask the Consultation Staff for assistance if you require help loading the microform onto the readers.
  • Bring your own flash drive or CD/DVD to save digital copies of the material. Printed copies may also be purchased using a copy card, available at the Consultation Office.
  • When making digital scans from microform, please complete a “photo permission” form (used primarily for statistical purposes).
  • Be aware that making copies from microform (either on paper or as digital images) can only be done during service hours.
  • Place the self-serve microfilm reels on the return shelf, located behind the Consultation staff’s desk (in the Microfilm Reading Room) when you are finished with them.
  • Return published microform (that is, the ones you have ordered via AMICUS), to the Published Material return shelf located near the Consultation Office.
  • Consult the Special Collections staff for access to the National Map Collection (NMC) microfiche.

DON’Ts:

  • Don’t place self-serve microfilm reels in your locker. When self-serve microfilm reels are not being used, they must be available for other clients.
  • Don’t disobey the Copyright Act by making digital copies of newspapers less than 100 years old. For more information, please consult the rules posted by each photocopier.
  • Don’t leave microfilm reels at your work station or on top of cabinets.

For more details, be sure to ask our on-site Consultation staff. They are ready to answer any additional questions you may have.

Happy research!

Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!

What can you do at 395 Wellington Street before your appointment?

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Our registration staff is often asked the following question:

“I have just registered for a user card at the registration desk on the main level (which is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday to Friday) but before I begin my research, I need help. I see that the orientation and genealogy service desks open at 10:00 a.m. I have some time until then and I am wondering if there is anything I can do while I wait?”

There are several things you can do while waiting to speak to one of our experts.

PUBLIC ROOMS

You may begin your day in our public rooms, on the second and third levels at 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa. These rooms have computer stations and Wi-Fi, so you can begin browsing our website or others’ sites. You may also wish to visit the cafeteria on the 5th floor where you can watch television while you enjoy a snack.

Opening Hours for the Cafeteria are Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

REFERENCE SERVICES

You can also browse our collection of photographs, or look through historical atlases, city directories and phone books in our Reference Services Room, located on the second level. Additionally, in our Reference Collection Room, you will find parliamentary proceedings (Hansard), journals from the House of Commons, session papers up to 1925, annual federal government reports up to 1930 and original, as well as revised, statutes.

Opening Hours for the Reference Services Room are Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Saturday/Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.*

GENEALOGY AND FAMILY HISTORY

If you are coming to Library and Archives Canada to research your family history, head up to the third level and visit our Genealogy and Family History Room. As you enter the room, there are several Info-pages that may be of interest. These provide useful information to help you begin your research.

  • The Info-page called Genealogy Services – Book Collection explains how the books are arranged in the room. You can find books that have
    indexes to church records, cemeteries and other records.
  • The Info-page called Websites for Genealogy Research directs you to our Genealogy and Family History website. You can use the public computers or your
    laptop to search our databases in Ancestry Search or other websites.

Beside each of the computers in the Genealogy and Family History Room, you will find a sign that explains how you can log in to http://www.ancestryinstitution.com/, the free library edition of the popular http://www.ancestry.ca/ website.

If you are a beginner, you will find a display with pedigree charts that you can use to start recording the names of your ancestors.

Opening Hours for the Genealogy and Family History Room are Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., Saturday/Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.*

(*) Consult our website for more details about opening and service hours.

Visit LAC’s website to find more information.

Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!

The Top Five Things You Need to Know Before You Visit

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Are you visiting Ottawa to do some research at Library and Archives Canada? Before you arrive, there are five things you need to know:

1. All researchers need a user card.
You can register for a user card in two ways, either in person at the registration desk or online by submitting the User Card Registration Form. Present your photo ID at the registration desk to retrieve your user card.

You must read and agree to the terms and conditions in the User Agreement before you can obtain the user card.

2. There is a difference between service hours and opening hours.
Our service points, including the registration desk, are only open during service hours when staff is on site and ready to help you. The building is accessible during opening hours, but staff is unavailable. These hours are posted on the Visit Us section of our website and in the building.

3. Order your research material in advance.
At least five business days before your visit, order up to ten items of archival material by using our online Request for Retrieval of Documents Form. You may order up to five items of published materials the same way as above, or place your order by telephone at 613-996-5115 or 1-866-578-7777 (toll-free in Canada and the US) by selecting option 8 in the automated menu.

4. Book your reference appointment, if necessary.
We are applying a new approach to service delivery. This means that no appointment is necessary for basic orientation and genealogy services, which are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday to Friday.However, you must book an appointment if you need to consult our reference experts or genealogy specialists.  See the Contact Us section of our website for more information.

5. Where to start your online search.
There are a variety of databases to choose from, so we encourage you to watch this 90-second video tutorial to help you determine “How to Begin your Search Online.”

Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!