Media Archives FAQs

  • Q: What is the Media Commons Archives?
    A:

    The Media Commons Media Archives supports the curriculum and research in various disciplines at the University of Toronto. While it serves primarily the faculty, staff, and current students at the University, it is also available to UofT alumni and the broader community.  

    The Media Archives acquires, preserves and makes available archival and special collection materials of Canadian national and regional significance relating to the audiovisual and media communities and popular culture. This includes, but is not limited to, historical and contemporary film/video production, advertising, electronic and print journalism, broadcasting, photographic arts, and multimedia and music production. These collections contain film, video, audio, photographic, digital and printed media formats.  

    To support the diverse Media Archives collection, the Media Commons continues to acquire appropriate current and non-current audio/video technology to allow creation of research copies from the Media Archives collections. 

  • Q: Are your records digitized and online?
    A:

    Some of our collections have been digitized. However, we do not own the copyright for our materials so we are unable to post most of our digitized material online. However, we are able to provide researchers access to materials on-site.

  • Q: Can I borrow items from the Media Commons Archives?   
    A:

    The collections at the Media Commons Archives are unique and irreplaceable. They do not circulate. We do have a print loan program but no archival materials can be borrowed. 
     

  • Q: Can I watch any film/video record in the Media Commons Archives’ collection?   
    A:

    Some of our audio-visual archival materials are quite fragile and cannot withstand normal playback.  
     

  • Q: How can I donate materials to the Media Commons Archives?  
    A:

    Please use our donate material form.

  • Q: How can I support the Media Commons Archives?
    A:

    Donations to the Media Commons Archives support the Media Commons experts, who continue to amplify some of the many overlooked but vital voices of an emerging generation of Canadian storytellers. Your support will help provide our university community with a rich, interactive media experience that celebrates our past while informing and inspiring a brave new artistic future.  Learn more and donate to the Defy Gravity Campaign.

  • Q: I would like to license from footage from the Media Commons Archives. How do I do that?  
    A:

    We do not hold any of the copyright for our materials. We often – but not always – have the contact information for our donors or their heirs and we possible we can connect you with them. 

  • Q: What are the steps to do research at the Media Commons? 
    A:

    Please consult our research guide before visiting the Media Commons Archives.  

  • Q: Where is the Media Commons Archives located? 
    A:

    The Media Commons Archives is on the third floor of Robarts Library, 130 St. George Street, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A5. 

  • Q: Why can’t I just drop in to do research?   
    A:

    Our collections are in one of two places: offsite storage and the cold vault. Materials in offsite storage take at least one week to reach Robarts. Materials in the cold storage vault require at least three days to allow for acclimatizing to room temperature and any condition inspections that need to be done. All of this means we can only accommodate researchers after consultation by email. We will send you any finding aids or listings relating to the collection you would like to consult and we will order the materials you need to see from their respective locations. Once the materials have arrived at our Reading Room, we will contact you to set an appointment.