Subject and other useful guides compiled by York librarians & subject specialists
Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections
The Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections consist of university records, private papers, rare books, maps and other primary source material acquired to support research and learning by the university’s faculty, students, and a community of international scholars. The holdings are strong in the areas of Canadian history, fine arts (design, photography, music, film, theatre), philosophy, environmental history, and sexual diversity. We welcome all researchers and visitors; however, a visit to the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections (CTASC) is a different experience from visiting another department or section of the library.
Archive Hours
Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections
Research Assistance
The reading room of the Clara Thomas Archives & Special Collections is open for research visits on the following conditions:
- Access is by appointment only and appointments must be made in advance.
- Appointments are usually available from Tuesday to Friday, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm aside from public holidays and university holidays
- Researchers must complete a virtual registration form provided by Archives and Special Collections and submit it by email prior to their first visit.
- Researchers must submit a list of up to six items to be examined during their initial visit. Additional material can be retrieved during visits based on staff availability.
- Researchers are welcome to use digital cameras to take images of our holdings for their personal use and private study.
- Please contact us at archives@yorku.ca to make an appointment to use our holdings.
We invite researchers to browse our holdings prior to booking an appointment. Our descriptive database (AtoM) is available online, as is an inventory of distinct archival fonds and collections. Our Special Collections holdings are catalogued and available through the main library catalogue OMNI.
About Clara Thomas
Professor Clara Thomas was the long-time friend and champion of Archives and Special Collections. Read more about Professor Thomas here.
Ask & Services
We’re online to help you with all your research needs and questions. Just ask!
What to Expect
Archival research can be a (rewarding) challenge! Learn more about what to expect when you visit us.
Policies
Want to use a historical photo? Photocopy a pamphlet? Donate to the archives? Find out more…
Curriculum Support
Book a class visit or integrate primary sources into your lectures and assignments.
Research & Learn
Connect with our library resources and services to get the help you need.
Our Holdings
Discover all the unique primary sources, archives, rare, unique and ephemeral material held by York.
Research Tutorial
Not sure how to start your research in the archives? Try our tutorial!
Research Assistance
Need funding to visit us? See how the archives can support your research…
Land Acknowledgement
First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory where York University is located.
Visit the official webpage to learn more about the cross campus Land Acknowledgment statements.