60 acast.com The Unquiet Library: Fifty years of Robarts Library https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library en Library Communications Libraries,Higher Education,Toronto Library Communications The Unquiet Library: Fifty Years of Robarts Library is an audio documentary series uncovering the history, controversies, and cultural legacy of the University of Toronto’s John P. Robarts Research Library—one of Toronto’s most recognizable Brutalist landmarks. Hosted by Jesse Carliner.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> The Unquiet Library: Fifty Years of Robarts Library is an audio documentary series uncovering the history, controversies, and cultural legacy of the University of Toronto’s John P. Robarts Research Library—one of Toronto’s most recognizable Brutalist landmarks. Hosted by Jesse Carliner.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> false Library Communications info+698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e@mg-eu.acast.com 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library episodic https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1770675247814-8f0ff4ec-8a34-400f-9ba5-96544a606734.jpeg https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library The Unquiet Library: Fifty years of Robarts Library Ep. 5 The Pink Collar Ep. 5 The Pink Collar Mon, 13 Apr 2026 11:00:00 GMT 29:58 69dc266ef736e119c3913580 false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/ep-5-the-pink-collar 69dc266ef736e119c3913580 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e ep-5-the-pink-collar full 1 5 The gendered history of Robarts Library


This episode of The Unquiet Library: 50 Years of Robarts Library explores the gendered history of the John P. Robarts Research Library through 2021 oral-history interviews, framing librarianship as a “pink collar” profession dominated by women yet often led by men and undervalued in pay and influence. Kathleen Scheaffer explains that a 2019 gender salary-gap settlement for U of T librarians resulted from a University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA) grievance and created a joint working group to continually audit salaries and address systemic barriers across career stages. Retired librarians recount key struggles: Carole Moore describes the 1974 “reference revolution” sparked by Anne Woodsworth’s dismissal after seeking pay equity, leading to committees and more consultative management; Susan Johnston highlights safety and late-night working conditions; Debbie Green discusses undervalued service work, sexism, and pay differentials; and Evelyn Houtman describes the “glass escalator,” including interview dynamics and men advancing quickly in administration. 

 

Index


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 5: The Pink Collar


01:34 Introduction 


04:49 Interview with Carole Moore 


15:44 Interview with Susan Johnston 


18:17 Interview with Debbie Green 


25:09 Interview with Eveline Houtman

 

28:34 Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.   

 

Additional Information about the 2019 gender-based salary gap settlement at U of T: 


UTFA Instrumental in Securing 3.9% Salary Increase to Remedy Gender-Based Salary Gap for Female Librarians | University of Toronto Faculty Association 

Gender-Based Salary Equity – Division of the Vice-President & Provost 


Equitable compensation | CAUT  


Pay Equity Act  


Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

R120120_walking_through_building.wav by reinsamba -- https://freesound.org/s/142929/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

 

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]]> The gendered history of Robarts Library


This episode of The Unquiet Library: 50 Years of Robarts Library explores the gendered history of the John P. Robarts Research Library through 2021 oral-history interviews, framing librarianship as a “pink collar” profession dominated by women yet often led by men and undervalued in pay and influence. Kathleen Scheaffer explains that a 2019 gender salary-gap settlement for U of T librarians resulted from a University of Toronto Faculty Association (UTFA) grievance and created a joint working group to continually audit salaries and address systemic barriers across career stages. Retired librarians recount key struggles: Carole Moore describes the 1974 “reference revolution” sparked by Anne Woodsworth’s dismissal after seeking pay equity, leading to committees and more consultative management; Susan Johnston highlights safety and late-night working conditions; Debbie Green discusses undervalued service work, sexism, and pay differentials; and Evelyn Houtman describes the “glass escalator,” including interview dynamics and men advancing quickly in administration. 

 

Index


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 5: The Pink Collar


01:34 Introduction 


04:49 Interview with Carole Moore 


15:44 Interview with Susan Johnston 


18:17 Interview with Debbie Green 


25:09 Interview with Eveline Houtman

 

28:34 Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.   

 

Additional Information about the 2019 gender-based salary gap settlement at U of T: 


UTFA Instrumental in Securing 3.9% Salary Increase to Remedy Gender-Based Salary Gap for Female Librarians | University of Toronto Faculty Association 

Gender-Based Salary Equity – Division of the Vice-President & Provost 


Equitable compensation | CAUT  


Pay Equity Act  


Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

R120120_walking_through_building.wav by reinsamba -- https://freesound.org/s/142929/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 4 From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus Ep. 4 From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus Mon, 30 Mar 2026 11:00:00 GMT 31:50 69c998739b6be94a1a8b59d4 false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/ep-4-from-fort-book-to-heart-of-campus 69c998739b6be94a1a8b59d4 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e ep-4-from-fort-book-to-heart-of-campus full 1 4 Host Jesse Carliner explores how the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto evolved from an intimidating “Fort Book” into a more welcoming, student-centered hub through architectural changes, service innovations, and shifts in engagement culture. Retired U of T Libraries manager Gabriela Bravo describes efforts to improve navigation, promote reference help and instruction, and build a stronger service culture through staff training and morale initiatives. Retired reference librarian Eveline Houtman recounts how digital tools and end-user searching reshaped reference work, reducing reliance on imposing service desks and repositioning librarians as educators. Former head of user services Lari Langford highlights accessibility advances, from physical upgrades and a relocated entrance to the ACE accessible content ePortal and collaborative alternate-format services. Professor Emerita Lynn Howarth reflects on Robarts becoming a safe, inclusive space supporting students’ academic, physical, and emotional wellbeing, including 24/7 exam access.  


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 4: From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus  

01:29 Introduction  

02:19 Interview with Gabriela Bravo  

10:49 Interview with Eveline Houtman  

15:22 Interview with Lari Langford  

25:45 Interview with Lynn Howarth  

30:47 Conclusion 

 

To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.   


Additional Information:  

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility_for_Ontarians_with_Disabilities_Act  

Accessible Content e-Portal (ACE): https://ace.scholarsportal.info/  

 

Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

analogue_phone_ring_004.flac by lorenzosu -- https://freesound.org/s/72064/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0   

picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 

moretube.wav by NoiseCollector -- https://freesound.org/s/65325/ -- License: Attribution 3.0   

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Host Jesse Carliner explores how the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto evolved from an intimidating “Fort Book” into a more welcoming, student-centered hub through architectural changes, service innovations, and shifts in engagement culture. Retired U of T Libraries manager Gabriela Bravo describes efforts to improve navigation, promote reference help and instruction, and build a stronger service culture through staff training and morale initiatives. Retired reference librarian Eveline Houtman recounts how digital tools and end-user searching reshaped reference work, reducing reliance on imposing service desks and repositioning librarians as educators. Former head of user services Lari Langford highlights accessibility advances, from physical upgrades and a relocated entrance to the ACE accessible content ePortal and collaborative alternate-format services. Professor Emerita Lynn Howarth reflects on Robarts becoming a safe, inclusive space supporting students’ academic, physical, and emotional wellbeing, including 24/7 exam access.  


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 4: From Fort Book to the Heart of Campus  

01:29 Introduction  

02:19 Interview with Gabriela Bravo  

10:49 Interview with Eveline Houtman  

15:22 Interview with Lari Langford  

25:45 Interview with Lynn Howarth  

30:47 Conclusion 

 

To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.   


Additional Information:  

Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), 2005: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accessibility_for_Ontarians_with_Disabilities_Act  

Accessible Content e-Portal (ACE): https://ace.scholarsportal.info/  

 

Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

analogue_phone_ring_004.flac by lorenzosu -- https://freesound.org/s/72064/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0   

picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 

moretube.wav by NoiseCollector -- https://freesound.org/s/65325/ -- License: Attribution 3.0   

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 3 The Gatekeepers Ep. 3 The Gatekeepers Mon, 16 Mar 2026 15:18:57 GMT 33:18 69b81f620e4c6e7320435c76 false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/ep-3-the-gatekeepers 69b81f620e4c6e7320435c76 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e ep-3-the-gatekeepers full 1 3 Reference Service at Robarts Library in the 1970s and 1980s 


Host Jesse Carliner explores Robarts Library’s intimidating reputation beyond its brutalist architecture, tracing how the building was intended as a formal, graduate student and faculty focused research facility until undergraduate protests led to full access when it opened in 1973. Through 2021 oral-history interviews, retired librarians Patricia Bellamy and Susan Johnston recall the busy 1970s–80s fourth-floor reference room—imposing service desks, constant phone questions, and pre-digital tools like card catalogs, microfiche, and rotating files—where librarians’ deep knowledge inspired awe but could also feel intimidating or even unwelcoming. Professor David W. Smith describes reliance on exceptionally skilled reference librarians, especially Mary McTavish, remembered as formidable and indispensable. Debbie Green, Eveline Houtman, and Suzanne Tabor discuss a perceived culture of elitism and hostility that gradually shifted toward friendlier, user-centered service.  


Index 


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 3: The Gatekeepers 


00:29 Marker Introduction 


03:05 Marker Patricia Bellamy 


10:14 Marker Susan Johnston 


14:39 Marker Professor David Smith 


18:47 Marker Mary McTavish 


19:46 Marker Debbie Green 


23:13 Marker Eveline Houtman 


28:30 Marker Suzanne Tabur 


32:48 Marker Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. 


What is a library catalog? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_catalog

What is a bibliography? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliography

Who were the United Empire Loyalists? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Empire_Loyalist

About Rosedale, Toronto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosedale,_Toronto


Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 


Sound credits: 


OFFICE SELF INKING STAMP ON PAPER 01.wav by sengjinn -- https://freesound.org/s/178650/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 


escaleras_mecanicas_interior_-_metro.mp3 by sonsdebarcelona -- https://freesound.org/s/70146/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0   


Price Tower Elevator 2 by Filmscore -- https://freesound.org/s/823076/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 


Walking Up Stairs by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/210430/ -- License: Creative Commons 0     


British Library sounds 


2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 


picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 


 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Reference Service at Robarts Library in the 1970s and 1980s 


Host Jesse Carliner explores Robarts Library’s intimidating reputation beyond its brutalist architecture, tracing how the building was intended as a formal, graduate student and faculty focused research facility until undergraduate protests led to full access when it opened in 1973. Through 2021 oral-history interviews, retired librarians Patricia Bellamy and Susan Johnston recall the busy 1970s–80s fourth-floor reference room—imposing service desks, constant phone questions, and pre-digital tools like card catalogs, microfiche, and rotating files—where librarians’ deep knowledge inspired awe but could also feel intimidating or even unwelcoming. Professor David W. Smith describes reliance on exceptionally skilled reference librarians, especially Mary McTavish, remembered as formidable and indispensable. Debbie Green, Eveline Houtman, and Suzanne Tabor discuss a perceived culture of elitism and hostility that gradually shifted toward friendlier, user-centered service.  


Index 


00:00 Unquiet Library Episode 3: The Gatekeepers 


00:29 Marker Introduction 


03:05 Marker Patricia Bellamy 


10:14 Marker Susan Johnston 


14:39 Marker Professor David Smith 


18:47 Marker Mary McTavish 


19:46 Marker Debbie Green 


23:13 Marker Eveline Houtman 


28:30 Marker Suzanne Tabur 


32:48 Marker Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. 


What is a library catalog? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_catalog

What is a bibliography? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bibliography

Who were the United Empire Loyalists? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Empire_Loyalist

About Rosedale, Toronto: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosedale,_Toronto


Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 


Sound credits: 


OFFICE SELF INKING STAMP ON PAPER 01.wav by sengjinn -- https://freesound.org/s/178650/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 


escaleras_mecanicas_interior_-_metro.mp3 by sonsdebarcelona -- https://freesound.org/s/70146/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0   


Price Tower Elevator 2 by Filmscore -- https://freesound.org/s/823076/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 


Walking Up Stairs by qubodup -- https://freesound.org/s/210430/ -- License: Creative Commons 0     


British Library sounds 


2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 


picht-type-writer2.flac by ondrosik -- https://freesound.org/s/203989/ -- License: Creative Commons 0 


 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Ep. 2 A Brutalist Masterpiece? Ep. 2 A Brutalist Masterpiece? Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:04:49 GMT 27:09 699ba7b0166f176858b17dd1 false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/a-brutalist-masterpiece 699ba7b0166f176858b17dd1 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e a-brutalist-masterpiece full 1 2 This episode of 'The Unquiet Library' podcast delves into the historical context and architectural significance of the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto. Hosted by Jesse Carliner, it features insights from architectural historian Mary Louise Lobsinger, preservation architect Michael McClelland, urbanist Sean Micallef, librarian and photographer Thomas Guignard, and Diamond Schmidt principal architect Gary McCluskie.


The interviews explore the brutalist style of the building, its evolution in public perception, and its place in the cultural and educational landscape of Toronto.  


The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, the broader impact of brutalism in Canada, and the growing appreciation for modernist architecture.  


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library and see archival images, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrary on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.  


00:00 A student’s opinion of Robarts Library 

00:23 Introduction 

01:24 Interview with Mary Louise Lobsinger 

07:37 Is the architecture of Robarts Library Canadian?  

08:50 Is Robarts Library a canonical building?  

09:51 Interview with Michael McClelland 

12:32 Interview with Shawn Micallef 

15:22 Brutalism and higher education in Canada 

17:28 Brutalism becomes fashionable again 

20:01 Interview with Thomas Guignard  

22:07 The beauty of brutalism 

23:27 Interview with Gary McCluskie 

25:57 Conclusion 


Learn more about concrete architecture in Toronto:  

McClelland, Michael, and Graeme Stewart. 2004. Concrete Toronto: A Guide to Concrete Architecture from the Fifties to the Seventies. 1st ed. Coach House Books: https://chbooks.com/Books/C/Concrete-Toronto3 

 

Sound credits 

Theme music: 

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

Sound effects 

120120_walking_through_building.wav by reinsamba -- https://freesound.org/s/142929/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

littleitaly.mp3 by salgoodsam -- https://freesound.org/s/54282/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

escalator-close.wav by sarana -- https://freesound.org/s/81831/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode of 'The Unquiet Library' podcast delves into the historical context and architectural significance of the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto. Hosted by Jesse Carliner, it features insights from architectural historian Mary Louise Lobsinger, preservation architect Michael McClelland, urbanist Sean Micallef, librarian and photographer Thomas Guignard, and Diamond Schmidt principal architect Gary McCluskie.


The interviews explore the brutalist style of the building, its evolution in public perception, and its place in the cultural and educational landscape of Toronto.  


The episode also touches on personal anecdotes, the broader impact of brutalism in Canada, and the growing appreciation for modernist architecture.  


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library and see archival images, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrary on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates.  


00:00 A student’s opinion of Robarts Library 

00:23 Introduction 

01:24 Interview with Mary Louise Lobsinger 

07:37 Is the architecture of Robarts Library Canadian?  

08:50 Is Robarts Library a canonical building?  

09:51 Interview with Michael McClelland 

12:32 Interview with Shawn Micallef 

15:22 Brutalism and higher education in Canada 

17:28 Brutalism becomes fashionable again 

20:01 Interview with Thomas Guignard  

22:07 The beauty of brutalism 

23:27 Interview with Gary McCluskie 

25:57 Conclusion 


Learn more about concrete architecture in Toronto:  

McClelland, Michael, and Graeme Stewart. 2004. Concrete Toronto: A Guide to Concrete Architecture from the Fifties to the Seventies. 1st ed. Coach House Books: https://chbooks.com/Books/C/Concrete-Toronto3 

 

Sound credits 

Theme music: 

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

Sound effects 

120120_walking_through_building.wav by reinsamba -- https://freesound.org/s/142929/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

littleitaly.mp3 by salgoodsam -- https://freesound.org/s/54282/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

escalator-close.wav by sarana -- https://freesound.org/s/81831/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> <![CDATA[Ep. 1 Toronto's Ugliest Building? ]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 01:01:03 GMT 29:00 699ba6cf240b4a2d75a8dae3 false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/torontos-ugliest-building 699ba6cf240b4a2d75a8dae3 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e torontos-ugliest-building full 1 1 This episode of 'The Unquiet Library' podcast explores the criticisms and emotional reactions surrounding the John P. Robarts Research Library—an iconic and controversial brutalist structure in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Host Jesse Carliner introduces its massive scale and unique design, which has drawn both admiration and ire since its opening in 1973.  


Featuring experts urbanist Shawn Micallef, architectural historian Mary Louise Lobsinger, preservation architect Michael McClelland, and Diamond Schmidt principal architect Gary McCluskie, the episode delves into themes of architectural brutalism, historical context, and the library's profound impact on Toronto’s cultural and architectural landscape.  


The episode also addresses the visceral reactions people have towards the building, debates on whether it is ugly or sublime, and the architectural significance of its design. 

 

00:00 One student’s opinion 

00:23 Introduction 

00:44 About Robarts Library 

01:58 Today’s episode 

02:21 Interview with Shawn Micallef 

11:01 Interview with Mary Louise Lobsinger 

17:00 Interview with Gary McCLuskie 

20:51 Interview with Michael McClelland 

26:50 Is Robarts Library ugly? 

26:52 Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. 

 

Learn more about concrete architecture in Toronto:  

McClelland, Michael, and Graeme Stewart. 2004. Concrete Toronto: A Guide to Concrete Architecture from the Fifties to the Seventies. 1st ed. Coach House Books: https://chbooks.com/Books/C/Concrete-Toronto3 


Learn about the architect Ron Thom here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Thom

Learn about Massey College, designed by Rom Thom here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massey_College,_Toronto

 

Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

yonge_street_02.flac by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/35556/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

escaleras_mecanicas_interior_-_metro.mp3 by sonsdebarcelona -- https://freesound.org/s/70146/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0   

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> This episode of 'The Unquiet Library' podcast explores the criticisms and emotional reactions surrounding the John P. Robarts Research Library—an iconic and controversial brutalist structure in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Host Jesse Carliner introduces its massive scale and unique design, which has drawn both admiration and ire since its opening in 1973.  


Featuring experts urbanist Shawn Micallef, architectural historian Mary Louise Lobsinger, preservation architect Michael McClelland, and Diamond Schmidt principal architect Gary McCluskie, the episode delves into themes of architectural brutalism, historical context, and the library's profound impact on Toronto’s cultural and architectural landscape.  


The episode also addresses the visceral reactions people have towards the building, debates on whether it is ugly or sublime, and the architectural significance of its design. 

 

00:00 One student’s opinion 

00:23 Introduction 

00:44 About Robarts Library 

01:58 Today’s episode 

02:21 Interview with Shawn Micallef 

11:01 Interview with Mary Louise Lobsinger 

17:00 Interview with Gary McCLuskie 

20:51 Interview with Michael McClelland 

26:50 Is Robarts Library ugly? 

26:52 Conclusion 


To learn more about the history of Robarts Library, visit uoft.me/robarts50. Follow us @unquietlibrarypodcast on Instagram, Blue Sky or TikTok for additional content and updates. 

 

Learn more about concrete architecture in Toronto:  

McClelland, Michael, and Graeme Stewart. 2004. Concrete Toronto: A Guide to Concrete Architecture from the Fifties to the Seventies. 1st ed. Coach House Books: https://chbooks.com/Books/C/Concrete-Toronto3 


Learn about the architect Ron Thom here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Thom

Learn about Massey College, designed by Rom Thom here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massey_College,_Toronto

 

Theme music:  

Felipe Sarro, Bach-Siloti - Prelude BWV 855a 

Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication 

 

Sound credits: 

yonge_street_02.flac by tim.kahn -- https://freesound.org/s/35556/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

escaleras_mecanicas_interior_-_metro.mp3 by sonsdebarcelona -- https://freesound.org/s/70146/ -- License: Attribution NonCommercial 3.0   

2 08 Br Lib amb 5.wav by ERH -- https://freesound.org/s/51632/ -- License: Attribution 4.0 

 

 

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]]> The Unquiet Library Trailer The Unquiet Library Trailer Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:13:18 GMT 2:17 699b9b9e0e5c959d59057fef false https://shows.acast.com/the-unquiet-library-fifty-years-of-robarts-library/episodes/the-unquiet-library-trailer 699b9b9e0e5c959d59057fef 698a5cc7f6349d3c6e3f5f1e the-unquiet-library-trailer trailer Welcome to The Unquiet Library: Fifty years of Robarts Library, a podcast exploring the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto—an iconic, debated, and often misunderstood building that has stood at the heart of Canada’s largest university for 50 years. Through interviews with architects, librarians, staff, administrators, alumni, and faculty, the series goes behind the scenes of “Fort Book” to uncover the social, political, and architectural forces behind its history.  


For more on Robarts history and to see archival images visit uoft.me/robarts50, and follow @unquietlibrary on Instagram, Blue Sky, or TikTok for additional content and updates.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

]]> Welcome to The Unquiet Library: Fifty years of Robarts Library, a podcast exploring the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto—an iconic, debated, and often misunderstood building that has stood at the heart of Canada’s largest university for 50 years. Through interviews with architects, librarians, staff, administrators, alumni, and faculty, the series goes behind the scenes of “Fort Book” to uncover the social, political, and architectural forces behind its history.  


For more on Robarts history and to see archival images visit uoft.me/robarts50, and follow @unquietlibrary on Instagram, Blue Sky, or TikTok for additional content and updates.  

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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