Public

Learn what services are available at our library for members of the public.

Library Access

Our library is open to the public from Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm, excluding holidays and building closures. Check our Hours and Location page and contact us before your visit.

Access to print materials

You do not need a library card to use our print materials while inside our library. You must present a valid U of T library card if you wish to borrow items for use outside our library.

If you do not have a U of T Library card and wish to read an item from our Course Reserves and Short-Term Loan collections, you must leave a piece of valid ID with our circulation desk staff, and you cannot take the item outside our library. Your ID will be returned when you return the material to the circulation desk.

Access to online resources

Our online resources are only available to current U of T students and faculty, due to licensing restrictions.

Only public users with an valid Alumni, Associate Membership, or Research Reader card may access our online resources. You must come in person to U of T’s campus to access our online resources with these library cards.

Scanning, photocopying & printing

You may scan materials at no cost if you bring your own USB drive. You may photocopy or print using your U of T guest print/copy card. Please note: our library does not sell or load funds to U of T guest print/copy cards.

All scanning and copying activities must comply with U of T’s Copyright and Fair Dealings Guidelines.

Research help

For research help, please email law.ref@utoronto.ca. We can offer up to 10 minutes of basic research help to members of the public.

You can also read our guide to legal research for public researchers.

Our library staff cannot provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, see our Finding Legal Help in Ontario page.

Tours for external students

We can offer 15-20 minute library tours to students from other universities, colleges, and high schools.

Tours are at the discretion of our Head of Instructional Services and must be pre-arranged. Contact john.bolan@utoronto.ca to arrange a tour.