About

The University Library consists of three campus libraries:

With the Health Sciences Library (housed in the Health Sciences Centre), the McMaster Libraries system is here to support your research and learning needs.

The general public is welcome to visit the libraries and use our resources on site.

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Library Facts

Library Facts

  • In a year more than 2,300,000 patrons enter the libraries and more than 20,000 research help questions are answered.
  • The Library's William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections houses 4,600 linear meters of archives, including those of Bertrand Russell, more than 30,000 rare books published before the year 1800, and nearly 70,000 books published from 1800 to the present day.
  • The combined collections of the libraries total more than 1.9 million print and electronic books and 86,000 print and electronic journal titles.
  • General collection strengths support the research and teaching strengths of the University. Particular areas of emphasis include Biology, British History, Business, Chemistry, Classics, Economics, Engineering, English Literature, Geography & Earth Sciences, Health Sciences (with particular emphasis on problem-based self-directed methods of teaching and learning), Maps, Nuclear Physics and Religious Studies.
  • The libraries acquire print, non-print, and electronic materials from multiple sources. The acquisitions budgets for the University Library and Health Sciences Library are funded separately, and materials are ordered, received and processed independently as well.
  • The libraries participate in a number of consortial projects including CRKN (Canadian Research Knowledge Network) and OCUL (Ontario Council of University Libraries) for digital content.
  • The libraries participate in OCUL's Collaborative Futures program, using the Ex Libris Alma library services platform to manage cataloguing, acquisitions, circulation, and electronic resources, and Ex Libris Primo discovery software to power the shared Omni search tool. Omni allows McMaster users to discover and request library materials at any of the partner libraries. Omni is available from the Library's website.

Our Vision and Mission

Vision

McMaster University Library aspires to be a catalyst of intellectual activity for the University and its community.

Mission

McMaster University Library supports the University's research and teaching mission by advancing knowledge and discovery, inspiring creativity and building community.

We deliver innovative services, welcoming spaces and exemplary collections to accelerate research, enhance learning and improve the user experience.

Learn more about our goals

Organization Chart

Organization Chart

McMaster University Library - Organization Chart (Updated March 2023)

Membership

Membership

The University Library is a member of the following organizations:

  • AAHSL (Association of Academic Health Sciences Libraries)
  • AAO(Archives Association of Ontario)
  • Alouette Canada
  • ARL (Association of Research Libraries)
  • Archives Association of Research Libraries
  • BitCurator Consortium
  • Budapest Open Access Initiative (via CARL membership)
  • CARL (Canadian Association of Research Libraries)
  • CLIR (Council on Library and Information Resources)
  • CNI (Coalition for Networked Information)
  • CNIE (Canadian Network for Innovation in Education)
  • COAR (Coalition of Open Access Repositories)
  • CRKN (Canadian Research Knowledge Network)
  • DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals)
  • Duraspace 
  • EDUCAUSE (McMaster University is a member). An individual can create an acct. to view publications
  • IFLA (International Federation of Library Associations)
  • Islandora Foundation
  • NDLTD (Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations) 
  • NEADS (National Educational Association of Disabled Students)
  • OCUL (Ontario Council of University Libraries)
  • OUETD (Ontario Universities Educational Technologies Directors)
  • OLA (Ontario Library Association
  • Public Knowledge Project (PKP)
  • SPARC (Scholarly Publishing & Academic Resources Coalition)

Work with Us

Introduction

A librarian talking with student library employees in Thode Library

McMaster Libraries are anti-oppressive spaces for learning, study, research and employment. 

McMaster University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive community in which every community member is accepted as a whole person worthy of belonging, is safe, valued, and respected for their contributions to the shared purpose of the University: the discovery, communication, and preservation of knowledge. For more details, visit McMaster's Employment Equity Policy. 

Looking for a work opportunity at McMaster Libraries? Check out the options in the categories noted below.

 

Work Opportunities at McMaster Libraries

Librarian in the Lloyd Reeds Map Collection in Mills Library

To view postings for regular full-time, part-time, and contractually limited positions ...

For more information about working at McMaster, visit Human Resources Services 

McMaster Students

For current full-time, McMaster students that have been approved for the McMaster Work Program.

Student assistant helping a user at the Mills Library Service Desk
  • Students are required to apply and/or reapply to the McMaster Work Program each term (Fall, Winter and Spring/Summer) to be eligible to work in the libraries.
  • Work is part-time (max 10 hours/week) during the Fall/Winter terms and part-time or full-time (max 35-40 hours/week) over the Spring/Summer terms. 
  • Positions are typically available each year in all libraries and in various departments such as Access Services, Collections, Library Accessibility Services, Archives & Research Collections, Lyons New Media Centre and Makerspace. To learn more, check out the Students of Summer series featuring student assistants who worked in various areas of McMaster libraries. 
     
  • To view postings, log in to Mosaic and select Career Opportunities. Pick the Student Work Program category in Mosaic.

Other Students

For graduate students currently enrolled in a Master of Library and Information Science program (e.g., MLIS or MI) in Ontario with a co-op or practicum option.

  • A paid co-op position is typically available in McMaster Libraries each year (usually in Teaching and Learning). For postings, check with your school’s co-op office. 
  • Practicum projects may be paid or unpaid. Check with your school’s program or course instructor for any practicum projects offered by or for McMaster Libraries.

McMaster Students

For current or accepted McMaster graduate students interested in a residency with the Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship

  • This program is an unpaid, self-directed research residency that allows students to advance a facet of their MA or doctoral projects.
  • A residency typically runs from October 1 to May 31, with applications due by August 31. 
  • To apply and view residency details, visit Graduate Residency in Digital Scholarship.

College Students

For current post-secondary school students looking for a field placement at a library before graduation. 

  • College students enrolled in a Library and Information Technician (LIT) program in Ontario. 
    • Placement opportunities are available in the Fall term (September to December). 
    • Placements will align students with their specific interests within academic libraries, focusing on Access Services and Collections Maintenance. 
    • Students will be paired with a mentor to learn about McMaster University and the diverse career opportunities available in academic libraries.
    • To inquire about an LIT field placement, please complete this form. 

High School Students

For current secondary school students in a co-operative education program.

General Public

Visit Us

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More information about our individual library locations and spaces:

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