Connecting Past and Present in the Research Room
The Research Room at Ādisōke invites visitors into a spacious and thoughtfully designed environment that blends the best of classic research support with modern amenities and tools.
Spanning two levels, the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) Research Room offers a seamless user experience, whether you’re consulting archival documents, engaging with special media collections, or reflecting on historical narratives. With stunning views of the Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills, the space provides an inspiring and quiet setting for study, exploration, and discovery.
A Space for Every Researcher
Located on levels 3 and 4 of Ādisōke, the Research Room supports a variety of research needs. The lower level focuses on textual consultation, offering a comfortable space for users to review requested digital and paper archival materials. Staff assist with materials while providing tools and advice. Research tables and workstations equipped with LAC research tools and subscription databases ensure a well-rounded research experience.
The upper level emphasizes research support and special media consultation. The Reference Desk helps with research strategies, while librarians and archivists offer guidance on complex inquiries. A curated Reference Collection and workstations for accessing restricted publications complement the space. The special media area accommodates oversized materials, photographs, rare books, and audiovisual collections, with staff available to lend a hand.
The Timelines Collection : Exploring Canada’s Evolving Identity
A defining feature of the upper level is the Timelines Collection, a rotating display of up to 1 500 browsable items that invites users to explore the evolution of Canadian thought, culture, and identity. Curated to reflect key moments in history and contemporary discourse, this collection sparks reflection on how everyday topics—such as fashion, food, and literature—have shaped and been shaped by changing social and political contexts.
The collection is designed to stimulate conversation and inspire deeper reflection on Canada’s documentary heritage, engaging visitors in meaningful dialogue about the past, present, and future. Interactive elements, like QR codes linking to LAC’s catalogue, make it easy to explore the materials further, whether in person or remotely.
Designed for Today’s Researcher
Ādisōke’s Research Room reflects a commitment to supporting modern research needs while preserving the best of traditional scholarship. The room’s design, with its wooden ceilings and floors and vaulted spaces, evokes a sense of timelessness, while its modern amenities—including workstations, scanners, and access to digitized archives—ensure that the space meets the needs of today’s researcher.
The space has been thoughtfully adapted to accommodate the digital era of research. Many researchers now bring their own devices, such as scanners and smartphones, and Ādisōke has ensured that its infrastructure supports this shift. From the layout of workstations to the efficient Wi-Fi, every aspect of the space has been designed to facilitate efficient, effective research.
A Place for Quiet Reflection and Discovery
With quiet study areas, natural light, and views of the surrounding landscape, the room provides an ideal environment for deep, focused research. Whether you’re delving into rare texts or digital resources, Ādisōke’s Research Room offers a unique space to connect with Canada’s documentary heritage and explore its evolving story.