General Spaces - Collections

Image of bookshelves in Gerstein Library

Book stacks

Our collection includes over 750,000 books on all aspects of physical, life, and health sciences.  Books are shelved by their call numbers.

Location

Basement floors, Morrison Pavilion:

  • 1-below (call numbers A to QM)
  • 2-below (call numbers QP to Z; Old Class Materials shelved after the Z call numbers)
  • 3-below - Theses/dissertations (located at the end of the journal collection)
Image of Gerstein Reading Room tables and soft seating

Gerstein Reading Room

Capacity: 94

Includes:

  • Reference collection (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks) 
  • Table space for 72
  • Soft seating for 16
  • 6 standing computer terminals

More info:  History of the Heritage Reading Room

Location

Main floor

Journal stacks

We have approximately 3400 journal subscriptions, in both paper and electronic formats. Some titles date back to the 1700s.

The library also subscribes to thousands of e-journals which can be accessed online from on- and off-campus by those who have a University of Toronto staff or student affiliation.

Includes:

  • Print journals from 1700s-current
  • Individual seating and desks located at the end of selected shelves

Location

Heritage Wing:

  • 5 floors (1975-current journals); accessible by elevator

Morrison Pavilion:

  • 3-below, compact movable shelving (Pre-1975 journals)
Image of study space in Morrison Pavilion

Morrison Pavilion

Capacity: 5 floors with 650 study spaces

Collections: Books by floor

  • 1 Below - books shelved by call numbers A-QM
  • 2 Below - books shelved by call numbers QP-Z; Old Class materials (located after the Z books)
  • 3 Below - Theses/dissertations (located at the end of the journal collection)

Accessibility: Some book stacks are not accessible by wheelchair. Our accessibility page has more information.

More info: The history of the Morrison Pavilion

Location

North-east wing spanning all floors:

  • 2nd floor
  • Main floor
  • 1 Below
  • 2 Below
  • 3 Below

Floorplans

 

Image of reference materials in Gerstein reading room

Reference collection

Our reference books include encyclopedias, dictonaries, and handbooks.

These items are not available to borrow, but may be used for in-library consultation.

Location

Main floor, Heritage Reading Room

Image of short term loan area in Gerstein Library

Short Term Loan Desk

Borrow  books in heavy demand or reserved by request of the professor for a particular class

Borrow:

  • Course reserves & short term loans
  • Phone chargers, laptop chargers, and headphones

Includes:

  • Tables and chairs for individual study
  • 1 book scanner

Note:

Loan times vary from a number of hours to a number of days, based on the item. 

Location

Main floor lobby, adjacent to Loan Services Desk

Image of Book Stop Leisure Reading Collection and soft seating

The Gerstein Book Stop Leisure Collection

A leisure reading collection available for students and staff at the University of Toronto

Capacity: Soft seating for 4

Includes: Non-academic books available to read in-library or to borrow for home

More info: About the Gerstein Book Stop

Location

Main floor, Lobby