Claude Bissell (1916–2000) was a distinguished Canadian academic and university administrator. After obtaining undergraduate and masters degrees at the University of Toronto, he furthered his education with a doctorate at Cornell University. Initially an English professor at University College, in 1956 he assumed the presidency of Carleton College, but eventually returned to the University of Toronto in 1958 to become its President. During his tenure as President of the University of Toronto, Bissell confronted the challenge of accommodating a rapidly growing student body while maintaining academic excellence. Under his guidance, new academic programs were introduced and the campus experienced significant expansion, including the establishment of three colleges and two satellite campuses. Bissell was particularly devoted to strengthening the graduate studies program and was instrumental in the creation of the Robarts Library complex. In recognition of his commitment to libraries, the north wing of the complex was named the Claude T. Bissell Building, which now houses the Faculty of Information.

Robert H. Blackburn (1919–2019) served as Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto Libraries from 1954 to 1981. His leadership led to the acquisition of nearly 5 million volumes, transforming the U of T Libraries into one of the leading academic library systems in the world. With his forward-thinking approach, Blackburn embraced information technology, including the use of the MAchine-Readable Catalogue (MARC) record and University of Toronto Library Automated System (UTLAS), which were groundbreaking for their time. During his tenure, the iconic John P. Robarts Research Library was built, becoming a focal point and essential research resource for students and faculty. In addition to his role as Chief Librarian, Blackburn authored two books, Evolution of the Heart: A History of the University of Toronto Library up to 1981, providing a firsthand account of the planning, design, and opening of Robarts Library, and From Barley Field to Academe, a memoir of his life and career.

Carole Moore was the Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto Libraries from 1986 to 2011. Moore started her career at the U of T Libraries in 1968 and attended the groundbreaking of Robarts Library. She held a variety of positions of increasing responsibility in Robarts Library, including Head of the Reference and Cataloguing departments, and Associate Librarian for Technical Services, before eventually becoming Chief Librarian of the Central Library System. Moore led Robarts Library during a time of budgetary austerity, rapid technological change and a growing need for improved and expanded study spaces. Moore established the U of T Libraries as a modern, digital library system, spearheaded the construction of the offsite Downsview preservation facility, and led the planning and launch of The Robarts Renewal and Expansion Plan. The Plan included the enclosure of the second-floor porticos, and renovations of the stack floors, Map and Data Library, and the Media Commons Archives. Moore also initiated the design and secured initial funding for the Robarts Common addition, which was completed in 2022.

Larry Alford has been University Chief Librarian of the University of Toronto Libraries since 2011. Before coming to the University of Toronto, Alford worked at the University of North Carolina for 30 years in roles of progressive responsibility before becoming the Dean of University Libraries at Temple University in Philadelphia. As University Chief Librarian he has invested in the development of Robarts Library as a centre for digital scholarship and inclusive student experience. Initiatives have included the expansion of digital research services and infrastructure, the creation of a digital preservation unit, the construction of a Family Study Space and the launch of a pilot program to offer free childcare, the latter two initiatives funded by his Chief Librarian’s Innovation Awards program. Alford oversaw the groundbreaking and completion of the student-focused Robarts Common addition, and renovation of the iconic Robarts Library reading rooms on the second, third and fourth floors. His focus on progressive social change led him to establish the Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Anti-Racism Committee, and secure funding for new staff positions and initiatives to advance equity and inclusion in the Libraries. Alford also led the Libraries during the tumultuous COVID-19 pandemic, successfully ensuring continuity of library operations and the gradual, safe reopening of its spaces and in-person services.

John P. Robarts (1917–1982) became the seventeenth Premier of Ontario in 1961, serving until 1971. He was known for his strong commitment to education, overseeing the establishment of five new universities, numerous teachers' colleges, and the community college system. He also initiated various educational and infrastructure projects, such as the Ontario Science Centre, Ontario Place and the GO Transit commuter rail system. Robarts introduced nuclear power to Ontario's electricity grid and launched the Ontario Scholar fund for high-achieving students. Throughout his tenure, he maintained balanced budgets and earned the nickname "the Chairman of the Board." In recognition of his contributions, he was appointed a Companion of the Order of Canada, and the John P. Robarts Research Library at the University of Toronto was named in his honour.

Cheng Yu Tung (1925–2016), a prominent Hong Kong businessman and founder of New World Development, significantly contributed to the East Asian Library, located on the eighth floor of Robarts Library. In 1987, he donated $1.5 million dollars for its modernization and expansion. Renovations were completed by the spring of 1991, and in July of that year the library was renamed the Cheng Yu Tung East Asian Library to honour his contribution. In 1996, further expansion was made possible with remaining funds from his initial donation and a generous gift from the Japan Exposition World Fund, creating the East Asian Current Resources Centre. Beyond his business success, Mr. Cheng was a compassionate philanthropist, actively supporting global education and healthcare initiatives. His generosity transformed the East Asian Library into Canada's leading library for East Asian Studies and has enriched charitable endeavours worldwide.

Russell Morrison (1923–2016), a renowned investor, and Katherine Morrison (1925–2019), an accomplished author and literature professor, were esteemed philanthropists known for their contributions to education. Katherine, who held a PhD in English, taught literature courses and was an avid user of Robarts Library during her time as a student. This firsthand knowledge of the library's significance to the student experience shaped the couple's philanthropic endeavours, including donations to the University of Toronto totalling $40 million dollars. Notably, their support led to the creation of the Morrison Pavilion at the Gerstein Science Information Centre, Morrison Hall at University College, and the renovation and expansion of Robarts Library, including the lead gift of $10 million dollars for the construction of the Robarts Common addition.

Linda Schuyler is an educator and Canadian television producer best known for creating the iconic Degrassi series. In 2008 Schuyler began to donate her significant collection to the Media Commons Archives which includes materials from the productions of Kids of Degrassi Street and subsequent shows including Degrassi Junior High, Degrassi High, and Degrassi: Next Generation. Degrassi portrayed teens in an authentic and nuanced way not previously seen on television.

Anne Murray is an iconic Canadian pop and country singer who has won numerous awards and sold over 55 million copies of her albums over her expansive career. Murray's impressive collection – donated in 2015 – documents her prestigious career from her debut album in 1968 through her extensive Canadian and international tours, and many television specials.

Graeme Ferguson, CM, (1929–2021), was a Canadian filmmaker and co-inventor of the IMAX film format. Ferguson donated his extensive collection to the Media Commons Archives in 2021. The collection documents his early life, his freelance filmmaking career, the establishment, growth, and legacy of IMAX, and his IMAX films.