About

Laurier Archives and Special Collections holds unique archives, special collections, and rare books. Our collecting emphasis is on Wilfrid Laurier University, the environmental conservation movement in Canada, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada and its Eastern Synod, music in Kitchener-Waterloo, and the history of Waterloo Region.
 

Searching Laurier Archives and Special Collections

There are several ways to explore our holdings:
 

Finding Aid Database

Search the finding aid database to find archival material in our holdings. Finding aids contain descriptions of archival material and contextual information to facilitate interpretation of the material.
 

Digital Collections

Search the digital collections to find over 15,000 images and documents from our holdings.
 

Web Archiving Collections

Search the web archiving collections in Archive-It to find web content captured for long-term preservation.
 

Library Catalogue

Search the Library catalogue to find published works in our rare book and reference collections.
 

It can be challenging to search for and find archives, special collections, and rare books as some of our holdings are not yet searchable online. Please reach out to us if you need assistance:

• By email: libarch@wlu.ca
• In person: Julia Hendry Reading Room
   

Requesting Material

Contact Laurier Archives and Special Collections staff to request the material you wish to view in the Julia Hendry Reading Room. Please provide at least 2 business days' notice for requests as some of our material is stored offsite.

Appointments are not necessary to visit the Julia Hendry Reading Room, however, they are recommended to ensure the material you would like to consult is ready for your visit. Please email libarch@wlu.ca to request material and to make an appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 10:00 am - 4:30 pm.

Once your request is received, staff may contact you for further information.
 

Julia Hendry Reading Room

The Julia Hendry Reading Room is located on the first floor of the Waterloo campus Library (L1-122). Our holdings are non-circulating, and all material must be accessed in the Julia Hendry Reading Room.

The following are available in the Julia Hendry Reading Room:

• Microfilm reader
• Overhead scanner
• Electrical outlets
   

Julia Hendry Reading Room Rules

Researchers are reminded that they are working with archives, special collections, and rare books, which are unique and often very fragile. These rules outline your responsibilities as a researcher to help us preserve the holdings of Laurier Archives and Special Collections. Please note that these rules apply to all researchers and staff.

1. Personal belongings, such as bags, purses, outerwear, food, and drink, must be stored in the lockers provided.
2. Electronic devices, such as phones, laptops, small cameras, and personal dictation devices, are permitted in the Reading Room.
3. Flash photography is prohibited. Non-flash photography is permitted with approval by staff.
4. Pens, markers, and highlighters are prohibited in the Reading Room. Pencils are permitted and are available upon request.
5. Do not write on archival records or rare books.
6. Eating and drinking are prohibited in the Reading Room.
7. Clean, dry hands are required to work with archives, special collections, and rare books. Do not apply hand lotion or hand sanitizer prior to handling archival records. Washrooms are available down the hall from the Reading Room for hand washing, if required.
8. Gloves will be provided when deemed necessary by staff. In most cases, gloves are not required.
9. Laurier Archives and Special Collections’ material must stay in the Reading Room
10. Leave archival records flat on the table surface as much as possible.
11. For bound volumes, avoid forcing volumes to lie flat. Use book pillows or wedges provided by staff to preserve the binding of bound volumes.
12. Maintain the order of the archival records in use. Do not change the order of the files within a box or items within a folder. Staff will provide a place marker, when necessary.
13. Laurier Archives and Special Collections provides a range of copying services subject to copyright, donor agreements, and the physical condition of the records. Please contact staff if you require reproductions.
     

Scanning Requests

You may request digital scans of material from our holdings. Please note that not all items are eligible for scanning due to their condition. We are not able to reproduce large quantities of material. We encourage you to consult the material in person or hire a local researcher to consult the material on your behalf. Please contact us about your specific scanning request and page limits.