In September 2016, the McGill Library brought its four rare collection units—Rare Books & Special Collections, the Osler Library of the History of Medicine, the Visual Art Collection, and Archives & Record Management—together under one umbrella. Together, the unified “ROAAr” group helps showcase the unique holdings within each of the four branches through cross-unit collaboration, strengthening and distinguishing their rich collections and the Library as a whole.

The logo, designed by Digital Library Services’ Greg Houston, mirrors the tenacity of ROAAr’s mission; it is a Venetian lion, inspired by a limestone carving that sits atop the old Redpath Library Building, perched on a book, symbolizing power, wisdom and justice.