Papers of over fifty Canadian authors make the Library an important centre for Canadian literary scholars. Records for most of the manuscript collections appear in the on- line catalogue. Detailed finding aids for many of the collections are available from the Reference Desk in the Fisher Library. Most of the manuscript collections are available for consultation by researchers with valid identification, whether or not they are members of the University of Toronto. In addition researchers must complete a special application form to use each manuscript collection, briefly outlining the purpose of their research or reason for their request.
Some collections have restrictions placed on access by their donors or creators.
Fragile and brittle material may not be available in the original but may be consulted on microfilm or through xerox copies. Limited photocopying of manuscript material may be done by Library staff but will be subject to copyright and preservation considerations. All manuscript material must be read in the Reading Room and only one box at a time may be consulted by a researcher. Index to Manuscript Collections An index to the alphabetical listing of the collections follows below. Collections of personal papers are listed by the surname of the creator or collector, e.g. Birney, Earle.