Archives and Special Collections Western University

History and Founding

The Archives and Special Collections at Western University (formerly the University of Western Ontario) are housed in the Archives and Research Collections Centre (ARCC) on the main floor of the D.B. Weldon Library in London, Ontario, Canada. The archives have grown significantly since Western's first major collection was donated in 1918, when bibliophile J. Davis Barnett donated over 40,000 books and pamphlets — the largest single gift ever received by a Canadian library at the time — and served as the institution's first librarian.

Collections and Holdings

The ARCC holds a wide mix of private and university records including materials on local history, business, art, architecture, Canadian health, medicine, and science, as well as official university records. Special collections include rare books, monographs, and serials with emphasis on the history of southwestern Ontario (particularly London and Middlesex County), the history of science and medicine, Canadian literature, Ontario private and small presses, the history of aviation, and Milton and Miltoniana. Notable named collections include the Hannah Collection on the History of Science and Medicine, the Beatrice Hitchins Memorial Collection of Aviation History, and the J.J. Talman Regional Collection. The archive also holds the Serge A. Sauer Map Collection comprising approximately 230,000 map sheets.

Notable Materials Related to Journalism/Media

The archives holds the CFPL-TV fonds, comprising records from London, Ontario's CFPL-TV from its first air date on 28 November 1953 through approximately 1982. The collection includes issues of the student newspaper the University of Western Ontario Gazette, which began as a journal of the Western University Literary Society. Additionally, Western News issues from 1972 to 2018 and predecessor newspapers are preserved.

Access and Usage

Researchers must register each visit and provide photo ID at the Reading Room entrance. A minimum of two business days' notice is required for most materials. Bags and personal items must be stored in provided lockers. A pencil, USB drive, and camera are recommended for research visits.