31 March 2018

LAC Signatures: Spring/Summer 2018

If you have an opportunity over the long weekend I suggest browsing the new issue of Library and Archive Canada's magazine, available online.

Read about acquisition, preservation and access, particularly how LAC has increased its outreach activities to meet the demands of the documentary community.

That finds continuing motivation from a Nanos survey in December 2015— 54 percent felt that access should be LAC’s priority, compared with 21 percent support for preservation and 18 percent for acquisition.

Much is being achieved.

But opening LAC branches in Vancouver, Winnipeg and Halifax still leaves many clients and potential clients hundreds of kilometers from the nearest facility—Prince George, Fort McMurray, Saskatoon, Thunder Bay, Saguenay, and St John's? That's not to mention Iqaluit,Yellowknife and Whitehorse. Despite the good work it's falling short.

It doesn't have to be that way.

Take for example basic LAC resources consulted by the largest client group, genealogists. Not available online.

Newspapers remain trapped on microfilm.

Original directories deteriorate with every use.

As well as celebrating its achievements will LAC explain its approach to broader, more convenient and affordable access for those fortunate enough not to live in major centres, and for those in LAC branch communities who find the hours inconvenient?

Thanks to David Hook for correcting the link.

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