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Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
View full library hours.
Visit our COVID-19 information website to learn how Warriors protect Warriors.
For information and suggestions about how to deal with the most common problems related to old books, documents, maps, photographs, etc., we recommend you consult Your Old Books, produced by the Rare Books and Manuscripts Section of the Association of College and Research Libraries.
The Canadian Conservation Institute includes a wealth of information about conservation and preservation.
It is sometimes possible to salvage books and papers which have become wet, but the assistance of a professional conservator is required. As soon as possible after you discover that an item has become wet, place it inside a plastic freezer bag, seal it, and put it into the freezer immediately. Contact a professional conservator for advice as to how to proceed.
Here are some suggestions for simple measures that will help to preserve your old books, documents, and photographs:
Most old Bibles have more sentimental than monetary value.
For information on unique or rare Bibles (e.g. the Breeches Bible, the "Wicked Bible"), look in the Library catalogue under the subject heading Bible--Bibliography.
The University of Waterloo Library does not offer evaluations or appraisals.
Many antiquarian book dealers who specialize in valuable and collectible books perform evaluations or appraisals, usually for a fee. There are many sources of information on the Internet about books and book dealers. One starting point is the Antiquarian Booksellers' Association of Canada.
Materials in Special Collections & Archives do not circulate. You are welcome to consult them in our reading room.
Eating and drinking are not permitted in the Special Collections & Archives.
The use of a digital camera or camera enabled device (e.g., tablet or smart phone) is allowed at the discretion of Special Collections & Archives staff and in accordance with the following guidelines:
Special Collections & Archives staff reserves the right to deny or revoke permission to use digital cameras at any time.
Researchers may also use our book2net kiosk overhead scanner to digitize material from Special Collections & Archives for research and private study purposes on a case by case basis. Restrictions may apply due to the physical condition of the material, associated copyright law, or donor restrictions.
Researchers must provide their own flash drive or memory key.
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
View full library hours.
Dana Porter Library, first floor
University of Waterloo Library
Waterloo, Ontario N2L 3G1
519-888-4567 x32619 or x32445
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is centralized within our Indigenous Initiatives Office.