The Ward M. Canaday Center for Special Collections collects, preserves, and makes available historical records of individuals, organizations, and businesses important to the history of Toledo and northwest Ohio. Collections include records and personal papers of political figures, civic leaders, labor unions, social service agencies, and Toledo corporations. A list of the various subjects that are covered in the Manuscripts Collection is located on the right panel of this page.
Some of the manuscript collections are cataloged in the University of Toledo Online Library Catalog. They can be differentiated from books by a local call number beginning with the letters MSS. Researchers wishing to use manuscript materials should consult with staff in the reading room of the Canaday Center. The collections do not circulate, but limited photocopies can be made by the Canaday Center staff, depending on the condition of the collection and any access restrictions. The Canaday Center staff reserves the right to refuse to make copies of certain books based on these and other criteria. Some collections are housed at the Northwest Ohio Book Depository and may require up to 72 hours notice for access.
In addition to the catalog record, each manuscript collection has a detailed finding aid that includes a summary of the scope and content of the collection and a folder inventory. These guides are available in the reading room of the Center, and should be consulted before requesting access to the collections. Many of the complete finding aids are also available on the internet through the Manuscripts Collection Guide. Researchers interested in the use of Canaday Center materials are encouraged to contact Kim Brownlee, the Manuscripts Librarian at (419) 530.5578, or any member of the Canaday Center staff to discuss their research needs.