For Archival Material – Use Collection Search
When searching for archival material (i.e., diaries, photographs etc.), use Collection Search. You will be able to search database records, known as “archival descriptions”. Sometimes the contents of the record have not yet been digitized. When this is the case, use one of the following methods to consult the material:
- In person at 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa: Please order any material that you may require, at least five days prior to your visit, by using our Request for Retrieval of Documents Form.
- Ordering reproductions: If you require an item in our collection that has not yet been digitized, follow the steps outlined in our blog post: “How to Order Digitized Reproductions and Help Build the Digital Collection” to order reproductions.
For Published Material – Use Library Search/AURORA
When searching for published material (i.e., books, newspapers, etc.), use either our Library Search or, for more search features, use our Aurora catalogue. The search results will often be database records (known as “bibliographic records”) and not full-text online documents. There are three ways you may consult the material:
- In person at 395 Wellington Street, Ottawa: You may order published materials in advance of your visit. Please contact us by telephone and select option 8 in the automated menu. You may request up to five items per day.
- Ordering reproductions: If you require an item in our collection that has not yet been digitized, follow the steps outlined in our blog post: “How to Order Digitized Reproductions and Help Build the Digital Collection” to order reproductions. Please note that copyright protection may limit what we can reproduce.
Questions or comments? We would love to hear from you!
Library and Archives Canada Blog 
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I am a family history researcher who does not live in Ottawa, and I often require my public library to order in books and microfilm through the ILL system. Will I still be able to get materials through my public library after Feb 15, 2013? If not, isn’t LAC denying all Canadians rightful access to non-digitized materials relating to their heritage? It makes no sense to tell a researcher he has to wait 6 months for some material he needs right away, and in my opinion, not everyone has the ability to jump on a plane from B.C. just to visit LAC in Ottawa. All materials should be available to all Canadians, (which I believe is the current mandate of LAC), at least until they are digitized!
Awaiting your reply,
Shirley
Thank you for your question. Please rest assured that your comments have been forwarded to the appropriate division. Further details about the dates for last loans, renewals and returns will be announced later this year and Library and Archives Canada will collaborate with other organizations to foster resource sharing across Canada. More details will be announced later this fall.
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