The Challenge of Research in Ottawa. What’s Open? What’s Closed?

Library and Archives Canada in Ottawa is open Tuesday to Thursday, 9 am to 12 pm, and 1 pm to 4 pm, but not if you want to consult “Photos, art, maps and plans, audiovisual material, textual documents from LMS/MUS (literary and music) fonds, preservation collection, rare books, photo index cards (“contact cards”)” Those are not accessible.

You must make a reservation two weeks in advance using Eventbrite. Each Monday at 10 am ET, LAC makes a week of reservations available, two weeks in advance.

The Canada Aviation and Space Museum Library and Archives is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but “is continuing services where they can be delivered through e-mail or telephone communication. Further information on reopening will be posted on this page when it becomes available. Please note that the reduction of services and opening hours made for the ongoing collection move will continue to be in effect after reopening until further notice.”

When the Ottawa Public Library tried to obtain an interlibrary loan for me the information was that “The Canadian Museum of Aviation … ILL Service remains suspended until at least April of 2022.”

When I call the museum the line was disconnected. When I emailed the message was blocked.  Awful service!

The Canadian War Museum Military History Research Centre “At present we are only open for appointments Wednesday and Thursday in two time slots: morning (10 a.m.-1 p.m.) and afternoon (1-4 p.m.). Appointments must be made at least three days in advance. However, it is recommended that you book 2-3 weeks in advance due to demand. If you are visiting from out of town or anticipate requiring more time than a single time slot, arrangements can be made.”

I was successful in getting an interlibrary loan from the CWM.

The Canada Science and Technology Museum Library and Archives is currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is continuing services where they can be delivered through e-mail or telephone communication. Further information on reopening will be posted when it becomes available.

The National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives is open to the public on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am – 5 pm. Space in the Library is limited. We recommend you make an appointment by phone (613-714-8949) or by email (erefel@gallery.ca). Access to the Archives is by appointment only.

Canadian Museum of Nature:  “On-site access to our Library and Archives is temporarily closed.”

The Ottawa Public Library, Ottawa Room, is open during regular hours at the Main Library.

The City of Ottawa Archives is open to the public by appointment only. Tuesday to Friday: 9:30 to 3:30 pm; Saturday: 10:30 to 4:30 pm.

The Ottawa Ontario Stake Family History Centre is closed. Unlike in many other centres, there is no alternative affiliate library available in Ottawa.

 

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *