William Ready Division of Archives and Research Collections

The William Ready Division is a research archive at McMaster University housing rare books, manuscripts, and historical documents spanning multiple centuries. The collection serves scholars seeking primary sources and original materials for academic research.

The archive was named after William Ready, a university librarian who acquired significant collections for the institution. His most notable achievement was securing extensive materials from a prominent philosopher for McMaster's holdings.

The division holds papers from Canadian writers and publishing archives that reveal how local authors shaped their literary works over time. Visitors can trace these contributions through the documents and materials on display.

Researchers should submit requests for materials several days in advance to ensure items are prepared for viewing. Access is available on weekdays, so plan your visit accordingly to fit the operating schedule.

The archive holds one of the world's largest collections of materials from a Nobel laureate outside his home country, containing thousands of pages of correspondence and personal documents. This extensive gathering attracts specialized researchers from around the globe.