Using the Archives

AtoM
Visit our AtoM catalogue to browse our most comprehensive and up-to-date database, and view a sample of digital objects from our fonds.

CJHN
Many of our holdings are also accessible via the Canadian Jewish Heritage Network (CJHN), an online database and portal to a number of partner heritage collections—including JPL Archives, the Alex Dworkin Canadian Jewish Archives, the Montreal Holocaust Museum, and several other contributing members.

Tips for navigating CJHN: See the Search Help page on CJHN.

The Jewish Public Library Archive is pleased to offer reference and research services to the public, whether in-person, by e-mail, or telephone. Please note that due to space restrictions, appointments must be scheduled ahead of time for physical visits.

For those unable to visit the Archives, send your research questions by email or by phone. Archives staff can provide 30 minutes of research, primarily to advise on relevant records held by the Archives. Additional time will be charged hourly at a predetermined rate, according to our service fees.

If you would like research assistance beyond what the Archives is able to provide, we recommend hiring a professional researcher. The Archives can occasionally assist in locating a researcher, however the Archives is not able to answer questions about researcher availabilities, services, or charges.

If you are interested in obtaining copies of records, the Archives can provide a limited number of copies for a set service fee.

1. The Archives are open to all interested members of the public during our regular business hours. Due to space restrictions, you must make an appointment ahead of your visit.
2. The Archives provides workspace within our facilities for researchers.
3. Archival material cannot be circulated.
4. The Archives provides gloves for researchers handling delicate documents or photographs.
5. The Archives recommends bringing a USB flash drive if you are scheduled to use the microfilm reader.
6. Photocopying and scanning of documents and images is permitted at the discretion of the Archives. A nominal fee is applied for these services. The Archives conforms to all Canadian copyright and privacy laws. Permission must be granted by the JPL-A if a record is to be published in any format. If the JPL-A does not own the copyright, the researcher will need to secure permission from the legal copyright owner prior to publishing.
7. Under certain circumstances, the Archive may allow digital photography. This is limited exclusively to textual documents for research and reference purposes only. The Archive does not permit the use of cameras to copy photographs or confidential records.
8. Pen and ink may not be used around the records at any time.
9. Food and drink is prohibited in the Archives.
10. During winter months or severe weather, you may be asked to remove outer clothing and/or shoes before entering the Archives.

If you use, publish, or distribute archival material from the Jewish Public Library Archives, you must include the appropriate information using credit lines and citations.

Credit lines should read:

Courtesy of [fonds or collection name], Jewish Public Library Archives, Montreal.

Ex: Courtesy of the Allan Raymond Collection, Jewish Public Library Archives, Montreal.

Citations should include:

• record’s full title
• repository
• name of fonds or collection
• identifier (including fonds, series, file, and item numbers where applicable)