From a Distance
If you identify a
specific record that is held by the Archives, you can access it in one
of two ways: you can ask that a copy of it to be made faxed, mailed or
e-mailed to you or, if the Archives has already microfilmed it (and we
have some 21,000 microfilms available), you may borrow that microfilm
through our Microfilm Interloan
Catalogue and use a reader in your local
library to view/copy it.
You may also order a certified copy of a record. These are generally used
for legal purposes.
To learn more about these please contact
reference@ontario.ca.
Can I access archival records online?
We have digitized a small selection of photographs
and documentary art. These can be searched online using our Visual
Database. You may use our Archives Descriptive Database
and our other databases to search descriptions of archival records.
Research from Outside the Archives?
To conduct your research without coming to our
Reading Room please consider the following:
- Use our website to read about our holdings and services. Use our
online
databases to search descriptions of our archival records and
library materials. Use our Visual
Database to search for a selection of digitized photographs and documentary art.
- Borrow microfilm copies of some of our records through our
Microfilm Interloan Service. This service allows you to borrow microfilm copies of
archival records through your local library.
- Send an enquiry by e-mail, mail, fax or telephone. Due to limited
resources, we cannot conduct detailed research for you. However, we can
tell you whether we hold records that are relevant to your enquiry or advise
you of possible alternative sources.
- Hire an independent researcher. If you require more detailed research
assistance, you may wish to hire an independent researcher. Please see our
list of Genealogical Researchers in Ontario and our
Freelance Researchers
List.