Visit the Reading Room

Sign-up for a researcher account

It’s free to sign up for an Archives of Ontario Research (AOR) account. 

You need a researcher account to request items to the Reading Room or to order reproductions, certifications or place FOI requests. 

Contact us to sign up in advance of your visit, or sign up at the reception desk when you first arrive.

We require the following information: 

• first and last name 

• email address 

• mailing address 

• affiliation (optional) 
• research interests (optional) 

All holders of an AOR account must abide by the terms of our user agreement (pdf).

Respectful behaviour

The Archives of Ontario maintains a respectful and safe environment for researchers and staff.

If your behavior makes anyone feel unsafe, you will be asked to leave by building security.

Handling archival records

When you look at archival records, you are looking at original letters, diaries, drawings, photos, maps and more. These items need to be handled carefully but confidently for the benefit of future researchers.

Things you should do when handling archival records:

• leave all personal belongings, including backpacks, in a locker (you can bring in your computer, phone, notebook and pencil)
• wash and dry your hands before entering the reading room
• examine one item from one file from one box at a time
• use the available paper flags to mark the place in the box where the file you are looking at came from
• use both hands to turn pages of bound volumes
• wear gloves when handling photos, negatives and art works
• use supports for bound volumes and weights to hold down maps and blueprints (these are available at the main reference desk)
• ask staff for help if staples or fasteners are preventing you from viewing the entirety of an item

Things you shouldn’t do:

• bring your water bottle or coffee cup into the Reading Room
• let jewelry or lanyards dangle over the desk
• use a pen (pencils only)
• write on archival records
• flip through documents or hold them up
• bring a tripod to digitize records
• use the flash on your camera

Taking pictures of archival records

You can take pictures of archival records for personal use after you have signed and submitted your self-serve digital copying agreement with a reference archivist.

Ask for a self-serve digital copying agreement form in person at a reference desk. The agreement lasts for as long as you have an AOR account.

We may ask you to adjust your photo equipment to prevent possible damage to our records.

Camera tripods and flash photography are not permitted for use in the Reading Room. We need to approve your flatbed scanner before you can use it to make reproductions.

Reference help

Reference archivists are available to help you navigate the collections.

We can help you:

• use collections search
• find record series related to your research topic
• navigate self-service record formats
• set up weights and supports for maps, plans or bound volumes
• understand the meaning of legal terms found in records
• make simple and certified copies of records

Learn more ways to get help with your research.