Library & Archives

The Archives reading room is open to all, Tuesday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. We are closed daily from noon to 1:00 pm. An appointment is required to consult archival records.

We can be reached by email at archives@laurentian.ca or by phone at 705-675-1151 ext. 3306. We are available to assist you, to respond to your questions and provide reference.

We would like to acknowledge the Robinson-Huron Treaty of 1850. We also further recognize that Laurentian University is located on the traditional lands of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and that the City of Greater Sudbury, also includes the traditional lands of the Wahnapitae First Nation. We extend our deepest respect to Indigenous peoples - as a sign of our continued relationship we will support Laurentian University’s Truth and Reconciliation Task Force Recommendations. Miigwech.

Located on the first floor of the J.N. Desmarais Library, the Archive Repository houses the holdings of archival fonds of organizations and individuals from the Northern Ontario community as well as seven different special collections: the Faculty Collection, Fourth Year Honour’s Essay, Graduate Theses, the Rare Books Collection, the Regional collection, Reference sources, and Vertical files (from Mining & Environment database). 

All collections are accessible to everybody but all have to be consulted in the Angus Gilbert Reading Room, in the Archives. The Angus Gilbert Reading Room is a quiet space that can accommodate up to forty (40) researchers. No food or drink is permitted in the Reading Room.

Presented in the Fonds Descriptions section are some of the private archival collections and fonds of the holdings of Laurentian University Archives. These fonds and archival collections are arranged by broad subjects or major themes. Furthermore, the subject or theme does not represent an exhaustive analysis of what topic areas are in each fonds and the list does not include all fonds or archival collection of the holdings.

The groupings are in alphabetical order.

In accordance to our policy on processing of archival materials, and in compliance to the Rules for Archival Description (RAD) the archival fonds are described in the language of the producer. Occasionally the description can be in the language of the documents instead of the producer.

What is an Archive?

Recorded information, regardless of date, form or medium, that is of continuing value.

What is a fonds?

The whole of the records, regardless of date, form or medium, that are created, received, used, and automatically accumulated by an individual or corporate body in the performance of their activities or functions.

What is a collection?

An artificial accumulation of documents of any provenance brought together on the basis of some common characteristic (e.g., way of acquisition, subject, language, medium, type of document, name of collector) and treated as a descriptive unit under a common title. Collectors may be those outside the archives who assembled the material or in some cases may be an archival repository itself.

1. What is an "archival record"?

An archival record is: recorded information, regardless of date, form or medium and of continuing value.

2. What is a fonds?

A fonds is: The whole of the records, regardless of date, form or medium, created, received used and automatically accumulated by an individual or corporate body in the course, or in the performance of their activities or functions, constituting the integral, organic and recorded information of the body or the individual.

3. What is a collection?

A collection is an artificial accumulation of documents of any provenance brought together on the basis of some common characteristic, e.g., way of acquisition, subject, language, medium, type of document, name of collector, to be treated for description purposes as a descriptive unit under a common title. Collectors may be those outside the archives who assembled the material, or may in some cases be an archival repository itself.

4. I need to consult records from your archival fonds, can I just show up?

To access the archival fonds, an appointment is required prior to your visit. You can contact us by telephone at: (705) 675-1151 ext. 3306 or by email at archives@laurentian.ca

5. Do you have old copies of LU student newspapers?

Yes we do! Currently, we carry complete series and current issues of L'Orignal déchaîné and Lambda as well as other LU student newspapers. In addition, L'Orignal déchaîné and Lamba have been digitized and are available online.

6. I live outside of the city. Can you send me archival documents by interlibrary loan?

Archival fonds and the special collections housed in the archives cannot be borrowed through Inter-Library Loan services or taken out of the Angus Gilbert Reading Room. Only in-house consultation is authorized.

7. I am not able to go to the archives. Can you do the research for me?

Unfortunately, the archives staff cannot provide research services. 

8. Can I use my camera instead of photocopying or scanning the document?

It is possible under certain circumstances. When a book or document is too fragile to be photocopied or scanned, we suggest that you bring your camera and take pictures. However, you must fill out a special form and let us know that you are planning to take pictures. Please consult our policy on use of camera in the archives.

9. I am looking for information on a family member, are there genealogical records at the archives?

The only documents in the archives that may contain pertinent genealogical information are those from the Anglican Diocese of Moosonee fonds. If you are enquiring about any other records or publications (census, microfilms of newspapers or books) pertaining to genealogical research, please refer to the online catalogue or Research Help desk or reference email.

By mail

Archives
Laurentian University
935 Ramsey Lake Road
Sudbury, ON, Canada
P3E 2C6

By email

archives@laurentian.ca

By fax

(705) 675-4877

By telephone

Archives Reception: (705) 675-1151 Extension 3306