Update #6: Osler Library of the History of Medicine
Space Update: The Osler Library of the History of Medicine space has been repaired and reconstructed. The third and fourth floor spaces surrounding the Osler Library and managed by the Faculty of Medicine are now being renovated. As a result, the Osler Library of the History of Medicine will be operational following the completion of this construction project. Library services in McIntyre are expected to resume in 2021.
Osler materials continue to be accessible and Osler staff are available to assist users.
- Osler鈥檚 Circulating and Rare Collections: The Osler Library's circulating collection are accessible in the Redpath Library Building. Click here for more information regarding opening hours for the Redpath basement. Please note that circulating collection material unavailable on-site can be requested by McGill students, faculty, and staff through Interlibrary Loans. Additional copies of books can be acquired should faculty members require them for teaching purposes. Please direct requests to osler.library [at] mcgill.ca. Rare Osler items prior to 1840 and Robertson materials, including archives, are currently available for review upon request on the 4th floor of the McLennan Library Building.
- Osler staff members continue to be based from the 4th floor of the McLennan Library Building (3459 McTavish Street) and are available to handle reference requests when possible. Please send inquiries to the Osler via email at osler.library [at] mcgill.ca or call 514- 398-4711. Library users can also visit in person. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 10 am-6 pm. Click here for more information.
Background: As a result of the water infiltration and recovery efforts related to the McIntyre Medical Building fire in July 2018, the Osler Library space in the McIntyre Medical Building continues to be closed until further notice. The Osler recovery team has restored most materials, and holdings from the Osler collection are now accessible to users in the Rare Books and Special Collections Reading Room, located on the 4th floor of the McLennan Library Building.
In May 2019, the McGill Library announced that the Osler Library of the History of Medicine will be rebuilt as per pre-fire conditions. Reconstruction work was coordinated by Facilities Management and Ancillary Services in collaboration with the Library and the Faculty of Medicine. The scope of reconstruction work includes: reinstallation of finishes and components including dismantled woodwork, bookcases and cabinetry as per pre-fire conditions; repairing all damage caused by the dismantling and fire (i.e. water & soot); no changes to room layouts. The timeline and schedule of work is to be determined and subject to change. It includes: completion of remediation work; ingestion of books and other materials into the library.
