1. Hours of services: Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm to 4:00pm.
2. By appointment only: You must book an appointment at least one week in advance.
   • Contact: archives@mcmaster.ca
3. Number of researchers: The number of researchers in the reading room at one time will be limited to 3.
4. Requesting material:
   • At least one week before your appointment, you must identify the material you wish to see.
   • You are limited to seeing 6-12 archives boxes (depending on size) or 12 books (or a combination thereof). Staff will be available for research consultations by email to assist in identifying material.
   • You will have access only to materials requested in advance. No other material will be retrieved for you while you are in the reading room.
   • Some material might not be available because of its physical condition, access restrictions, etc.
   • All researchers who are requesting access to an archive will be required to complete an online 'Permission to Access Archives' form.
5. COVID-related protocols:
   • For External Researchers: You will need to submit proof of full vaccination via the McMaster Safety App. See the Vaccination FAQs page for details.
     • When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to show staff your clearance for being on campus on via your completed provincial COVID-19 Self Assessment.
   • For McMaster Faculty, Staff and Students: Follow details on the Vaccination FAQs page based on your vaccination status.
     • On the day of your appointment, you are required to complete the daily screening on the MacCheck tool before coming to campus.
     • When you arrive for your appointment, you will be asked to show staff your clearance for being on campus on MacCheck.
   • On campus, you will be required to wear a facemask in all buildings, including during your appointment in our reading room. Researchers without a facemask will not be admitted.
   • If these protocols change prior to your visit, we will let you know.
6. Access to Division of Archives and Research Collections (Mills Library):
   • We are located in the lower level of Mills Library. Enter Mills Library from the ground level main entrance, and then take the stairs or elevator down to our Division (you may ask staff at the first floor Services Desk for directions).
7. Copies of research materials:
   • If you require copies of the material you use during your appointment for later reference, we strongly urge you to take photos using your phone/camera.
   • Any copies you make are for personal research use only and cannot be published in any form without hte consent of the copyright holder.
   • A limited copy service will be available – no more than 50 standard copies with a turnaround time of approximately 4 weeks.
   • No same day copies will be made for you by archives staff.

To set up an appointment, please contact archives@mcmaster.ca