Visit the Archives

Who Can Use the Hong Kong Archives?

Everyone is welcome. Our archives is open to the University of Toronto community members and the public, including overseas visitors.

Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a parent or responsible caregiver at all times. 

When and Where to Use the Hong Kong Archives?

Hours: Wednesday to Friday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm, by appointment only. 

Location: Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library

Special Closure: During archivist’s absence and holidays.

Planning Your Visit

Explore Online Finding Aids

Consult Discover Archives for a list of archives available to use. You can browse holdings by keyword or hierarchical search. 

Connect with our Archivist

Our archivist is here to assist with your research journey. Connecting with our archivist is often a good idea before your visit. You are welcome to email any questions to chk.library@utoronto.ca. We’re committed to giving you a response in 2 business days. Common enquiries include: 

  • Searching for specific records on Discover Archives
  • Identifying records related to specific constituents or research interests
  • Arranging logistics
  • Clarifying conditions governing restrictions on materials
  • Copyright issues
  • Any other general questions 

Request an appointment

An appointment is required to use the archives. Once you have identified the archival materials you need, make an appointment through the Hong Kong Archives Appointment Request Portal. Please note some of the details below:

  • A request should be made no less than 5 business days before your visit.
  • You will receive an email in 2 business days to confirm or follow-up with your appointment.
  • You may view up to 6 boxes of materials in a visit.
  • Approval is subject to the discretion of the archivist, which depends on availability of the materials, space, and restrictions as required by law or donors.
  • All appointments are in-person, remote access is not currently supported.
  • You can request a research consultation when making the appointment.

During Your Visit

Getting Here
  • Please see here for the details of getting to our library.
  • Enter through the main entrance, check-in with the John F. Robarts Library security with the confirmation email and a piece of valid photo ID.
  • Take the elevator to the 8th floor, check-in with our front desk at Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library.
  • For first-time user, we kindly ask that you review and sign the Acknowledgement of Research, Reproduction, and Copyright Rules form.
What to Bring?

You are recommended to bring the following for the convenience of our staff and yourself:

  • The confirmation email we sent you (digital copy acceptable)
  • A piece of valid photo ID
  • Your personal device, such as laptops, tablets, cameras, or cellphones
  • Your personal notebooks and pencils
What not to Bring?

The following items are not permitted in our research area. A locker will be provided to secure your personal items. 

  • Food and beverages
  • Electronic storage devices, such as USB and hard disk
  • Any stationery other than pencils, such as pens, markers, highlighters, erasers, correction fluid etc.
  • Personal belongings, including backpack, handheld purse, laptop case, coat etc. 
Using the Archives

Our archives are unique and carry the weight of time. We appreciate that you handle the materials with care. Here are the general guidelines for using the archives:

  • Do not rearrange the order of the materials yourself.
  • Avoid writing over the archival materials.
  • When viewing photographic records, wear the nitrile gloves provided.
  • When viewing textual records and three-dimensional objects, gloves are not required but you should keep your hands clean and dry.
  • When viewing digital or audio-visual materials, a workstation can be provided as needed.

Copyright, reproduction and photography

You are permitted to take non-flash photographs with your cameras or smartphones.

Photocopy and digital scan of the archives are not supported.

Use of digital photographs taken with your personal device is subject to the regulation of the Canada Copyright Act. Please note the following important reminders: 

  • Your photographs can be used for research, private study, education, parody, satire, review, criticism, and news reporting under fair dealing exceptions (section 29, 29.1, and 29.2).
  • For purposes other than those exempted by fair dealing, you are fully responsible for identifying the copyright holders and obtaining the necessary permissions or licenses.
  • The Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library cannot grant authorization for works that we do not hold the copyright.

Navigating through copyright issues is often complicated, here are some resources for your reference:

How to Cite

You are responsible for accurate citation of any archival materials quoted or used. Chicago Manual of Style and MLA did not specify how archival documents should be cited. You are encouraged to follow our preferred style as follows:  

Title of records, date, reference number, title of fonds/collection, title of repository.

Example 1:  Records about British Nationality Bill, 1977-1981, CHKL04-01-05, Sir Kan Yuet-keung Archives, University of Toronto Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library.

Example 2:  Historical figures and fact sheets of Hang Seng Index, 1985-1987, CHKL03-01-03, Stanley Kwan Archives, University of Toronto Richard Charles Lee Canada-Hong Kong Library. 

However, if you are following the APA convention, there is a complete guide on citing archival documents and collections. Please refer to https://apastyle.apa.org/style-grammar-guidelines/references/archival.