Toronto, ON – [June 1, 2026] — York University Libraries and Keep@Downsview are pleased to announce that a new agreement has been signed with the University of Toronto on behalf of the Keep@Downsview members, making York University Libraries a Keep@Downsview partner. This agreement marks a pilot of a new partnership model that expands opportunities for collaboration, stewardship, and shared ownership of print collections.

Under this new Partnership Model, which is a ‘Share Only Partner’ model, York University Libraries will work with the University of Toronto to identify titles currently held in York’s collections that are low-use and already preserved by Keep@Downsview at the UTL Downsview facility. York will then transition its local holdings to participate in the jointly owned collection, enabling shared ownership of these materials while supporting long‑term preservation, access, and responsible collection management.

“This new model allows us to collaborate in a practical and innovative way,” said Joseph Hafner, Dean of Libraries, York University Libraries. “By aligning our holdings with materials already preserved by Keep@Downsview, we are strengthening shared stewardship of the scholarly record while creating flexibility within our local collections to better serve the York community.”

Keep@Downsview is a shared print program, with its facility located in Toronto that supports member academic libraries by providing secure, environmentally controlled storage and coordinated collection management. A collaboration of the University of Toronto, McMaster University, the University of Ottawa, Queen's University, Western University, and Memorial University, the initiative is designed to ensure the long‑term preservation and accessibility of low‑use print materials while reducing unnecessary duplication across institutions. Through shared governance and collective ownership, Keep@Downsview enables member libraries to manage print collections more sustainably and collaboratively.

For York University Libraries, participation as a Share Only Partner reflects an ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship, collaboration, and innovation in library services. York University Libraries supports the teaching, learning, and research mission of York University through dynamic collections, inclusive spaces, and a strong focus on access, sustainability, and scholarly communication.

“This pilot underscores our commitment to working collaboratively with peer institutions to steward shared collections for the benefit of current and future scholars,” said Larry Alford, Chief Librarian, University of Toronto Libraries. “It is an important step in exploring new partnership models that respond to evolving user needs and changing pressures on library collections.”

This Partnership agreement will be assessed as a pilot, with York University Libraries and Keep@Downsview working together to evaluate its effectiveness and potential for broader adoption.

York University Libraries supports a diverse research-intensive university community through its collections, services, and spaces. Advancing teaching, learning, research, and community engagement, York University Libraries maintains a strong emphasis on access, equity, and innovation. 

About University of Toronto Libraries

The University of Toronto Libraries is the largest academic library system in Canada with over 40 libraries and 12 million volumes over three campuses supporting a diverse research‑intensive university community. The University of Toronto Libraries is committed to building a world-class library system that safeguards a rich history while driving innovation. 

Keep@Downsview is a shared print repository that brings academic libraries together to preserve, manage, and provide access to print collections through collective ownership and shared stewardship. York University is joining the current partners that include the libraries of University of Toronto, McMaster University, Memorial University, University of Ottawa, Queens University and Western University.