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Thoughtful collection development is a significant curatorial responsibility for librarians and archivists. Each year, Rare Books and Special Collections actively collects new materials through donation and purchase to support the evolving research, teaching, and learning interests of the McGill community. As part of this work, staff engage in a wide variety of activities including critically assessing collections, identifying areas or subjects as collecting priorities, reviewing possible donations, conducting research, and relationship building with community stakeholders, book dealers, and donors.

New at McGill highlights recent additions in several of the library’s collecting areas, including botany, astronomy, architecture, and the works of Voltaire. This exhibition invites visitors to discover new areas of interest and learn about the diversity of material found in Rare Books and Special Collections. Over 30 items are on display, representing more than 400 years of history, creativity, and knowledge production.

Where: Rare Books and Special Collections, Reading Room

Dates: August 22, 2025 – January 30, 2026.

Coordinated by: Ursula Carmichael (Liaison Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections) and Octavian Sopt (Senior Documentation Technician, Rare Books and Special Collections).

Curatorial contributions: Jennifer Garland (Associate Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections), Ann Marie Holland (Associate Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections), Tellina Liu (Archivist/Liaison Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections), Eve Majzels (Archival Documentation Technician, Rare Books and Special Collections), and Lauren Williams (Associate Librarian, Rare Books and Special Collections).

Installation assistance: Eve Majzels (Archival Documentation Technician, Rare Books and Special Collections).

Accessible during opening hours.