Due to the continuing Mohawk College Support Staff strike, the Monday, September 29 (Noon-1 pm) visit has been cancelled. Holds can be picked up at the Terryberry Branch as an alternative option. Thank you for your understanding.
Bookmobile Service Modification
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 3:00pm
Interlibrary Loan Service on Pause
Interlibrary Loan (ILLO) service will be temporarily paused starting Friday, September 26, due to continued negotiations between CUPW and Canada Post. We apologize for the inconvenience.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Friday, September 26, 2025 - 1:00pm
Replacement and Damage Fees
Bring back your borrowed library items (due Oct 1 or later) within 28 days to avoid a replacement or lost fee. We'll remove the fee when you bring back your overdue items.
All Branches and Bookmobile Stops
Published:
Thursday, September 11, 2025 - 3:00pm
Kenilworth Branch - Temporary Closure (Sept 2 - Oct 14)
Due to roof repair maintenance, the Branch is temporarily closed from September 2 until October 14. Please visit the Red Hill, Parkdale, and Barton locations as your nearest branches for your library needs. Thank you for your patience.
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Published:
Monday, August 11, 2025 - 8:00am
Local History and Archives Policy
Policy Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to outline the mandate, scope and objectives of the Hamilton Public Library’s Local History and Archives collections and archival activities and the authority under which the department operates.
This policy articulates the key objectives with respect to the acquisition, preservation and access to materials in the Local History and Archives collections which will reflect the Mission Statement and Strategic Priorities of the Hamilton Public Library. The policy outlines process and expectation to assure transparency, accountability and preservation of trust.
Key Points Summary
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The library’s Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key principles and key objectives of the library’s archival collection development and access.
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The Local History and Archives Policy outlines the key criteria for the acquisition, access and reappraisal of archival materials.
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A central role of Local History and Archives is to collect, preserve and make accessible materials which illustrate the history of the Hamilton area and its peoples.
Definitions
Accession is the formal acceptance into custody and recording of an acquisition.
Acquisition is an addition to the holdings of a repository.
Archival Processing is the physical and intellectual control work done by archives employees to fully prepare archival materials for use, access and long-term preservation.
Deaccession is the removal of material from the holdings of a repository.
Digital Preservation is the management and protection of digital information to ensure authenticity, integrity, reliability, and long-term accessibility of digitized and born-digital information.
Digitization is the process of transforming analog information into digital form.
Preservation encompasses actions taken to extend the useable life of material and records by minimizing physical and chemical deterioration, preventing loss of information and ensuring continual access and use over time.
Reappraisal is the process of identifying material that no longer merits inclusion in a repository.
