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Frequently asked questions

What is the file size limit that I can upload?

You can upload your file up to 30 MB on the online platform. If your file size is over 30 MB, please contact us by email at elle-her@uottawa.ca. The project team will follow up with you within 5 business days and arrange a way for you to send us your file.

What formats do you accept?

We accept the following formats and prefer an original format of your file by which was initially created:

  • Image: jpeg, jpg, png, gif, tif, tiff
  • Video: mov, mp4, mpeg, mpg
  • Sound: mp3, wav
  • Text: doc, docx, rtf, txt, pps, ppt, pptx, pdf

What should I share or contribute?

Everyone’s daily life has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or the other. Maybe you’re at home struggling to balance work and take care of your kids, maybe you’re adjusting yourself to an online learning environment,  maybe you’re working in one of the essential services and functions, or maybe you’re temporarily unemployed?

Tell the story of your daily life: the joys you have spending more time with your family, the frustration you feel with work and childcare, the loneliness you experience if you live alone, or the uncertainty you feel about the future. Tell us about what you’ve been doing during the COVID-19 lockdown and how things have changed: taking online lectures, cancelled conferences, laid-off, postponed weddings, making a home-made mask, family gatherings via Zoom, playing online board games with friends? This is your own story of the pandemic and anything goes. Remember that everyone has a unique story. Historians and our future generations will want to know how we lived, felt, and overcame the pandemic in our everyday lives.

Is there anything I should avoid contributing?

The content you submit might contain your personal information. The University of Ottawa protects your privacy and your personal information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.31. It is important to note that you must agree not to include personally identifiable information about another person or persons, or information that could allow a third party to identify other people. This may include members of your family, your friends, or your neighbors. If your content includes information other than about you, the 3rd party must consent to the Terms and Conditions separately or your submission must be fully anonymized. If you have any questions, please contact us by email at elle-her@uottawa.ca.

Can anyone participate?

We welcome anyone who self-identifies as a woman and is 18 years of age or older to participate. 

Do I maintain copyright over my content?

Yes, as an author/creator you maintain copyright as per the Copyright Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. C-42), unless you transfer it to uOttawa Library.  By transferring your copyright to the uOttawa Library, we do not have to contact you to grant permission to publish your content beyond uOttawa Library websites. This includes requests from researchers to publish content beyond uOttawa Library websites. If you maintain copyright, researchers will be required to contact you directly for permission to publish. 

Who will have access to my content?

Once it becomes part of the Women’s Archives, your submitted content will be viewable and accessible by all members of the public through the library’s website. 

Can I restrict my content from being viewed by the public?

Although possible, we do not recommend putting restrictions of your submitted content.  The goal of this project is to make the stories and experiences of women known and available.  If you want more information on restrictions, please contact the project team at elle-her@uottawa.ca.

What if I change my mind and want my content back?

Once you submit your content and accept the terms and conditions, your submitted content becomes the property of the University of Ottawa Library and we are not able to return it to you.  Before contributing, make sure you keep a copy of your content for your own use. A copy may also be provided to you upon request. Please note that you maintain intellectual and moral rights over your copy and are free to do whatever you like with it.

How frequently can/should I submit content?

There is no limit to the number of stories you can submit.

Where can I discover the COVID-19: Telling her-stories collection?

As we digitally archive your contributions, they will be made  available online in the Archives and Special Collections database. Explore the collection.

If you have any further questions that haven’t been answered here, please contact us at elle-her@uottawa.ca.