York University Libraries' academic activities and operations are shared among the divisions and departments listed below. For contact information and to learn more, please visit the departmental web pages.
Division of Research & Open Scholarship
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.
Content, Development and Analysis
Content Development & Analysis (CDA) is the library department dedicated to building and curating high quality, accessible and multidisciplinary collections that enable innovative research and teaching. The CDA team is committed to ensuring that our community has the broadest possible access to this content, whether through advocating for fair and appropriate licensing terms, or through strategic investment in sustainable models for open access and open data content.
The Open Scholarship Department supports research intensification across the broader campus by promoting, communicating, and leveraging its expertise in scholarly communications and open access. Through its work, the department aims to help researchers realize the benefits of open access publishing and open science practices through the following services: open access publishing and author rights consultations, research data management consultations, data services consultations, scholar visibility support, and research data deposit and discovery support.
Division of Teaching and Learning
Student Learning and Academic Success
The Student Learning and Academic Success Department (SLAS) is responsible for advancing a cohesive and coordinated approach to developing students’ digital and information literacies throughout programs at York University to create critical thinkers and life-long learners. The Department focuses on collaborating with faculty on a wide range of programming, including digital and information literacy, blended learning modules, co-curricular programming, and open educational resources.
The Curriculum and Course Support Department advances academic success by focusing on the library user experience and by developing innovative, agile services. This Department is charged with reimagining and enhancing the following services: Research Services, Accessibility Services, Course Reserves, and Circulation Services. CCSD also operates the Learning Commons on the second floor of the Scott Library.
Division of Digital Engagement & Strategy
Digital Scholarship Infrastructure
The Digital Scholarship Infrastructure Department (DSI) is responsible for digital scholarship activities at York University Libraries, including open publishing, digital preservation, web archiving, and digital humanities and social sciences. The department focuses on the following areas: digital publishing, open repositories, creative commons licensing, digitization best practices, digital preservation, grant applications and research project design, teaching and instruction.
The Metadata Discovery and Access Department (MDA) advances knowledge discovery and dissemination by enhancing discovery of the Libraries’ collections and the broader scholarship of York University. The Department provides expertise in knowledge organization and discovery by communicating the core concepts of metadata fundamentals and applying them to research data management and open data principles to the larger university community.
Library Digital Technology Services (LDTS), in conjunction with Library Digital Systems & Initiatives Department (LDSI), function as York University Libraries’(YUL) information technology services department. LDTS and LDSI work collaboratively with all YUL departments and with University Information Technology (UIT) to ensure that administrative, operational, and research objectives are met and that user experience is enhanced for the broader library community.