AABC/Library & Archives Canada Consultation

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Volume 15 No. 1 Winter 2005

On October 1, archivists, records managers, conservators and librarians from the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island gathered at the offices of the Archdiocese of Vancouver on Robson Street to meet with Library and Archives Canada representative, Marianne McLean. Marianne and other LAC colleagues are conducting a series of consultations with provincial archives and library communities both to inform and gather opinion on the LAC’s long-term directions and role, and to review its Grants and Contributions Program in preparation for the renewal of the LAC’s transfer payment authorities. Having already consulted groups in Nova Scotia and Yukon, British Columbia was Marianne’s third port of call.

Marianne, a career archivist with the National Archives/LAC, presented the group with copies of two documents, "Directions for Library and Archives Canada" (June 2004), and "Consultation Document for the Renewal of LAC Authority for a Grants and Contributions Programme (Draft 1, August-October 2004). The morning was spent reviewing and responding to the first document, the afternoon to the second (this will be the subject of a second account).

"Directions for Library and Archives Canada" (DLAC) is a very general document for use by a wide range of stakeholders (including publishers). It emphasizes that LAC is a "new kind of knowledge institution, firmly rooted in new opportunities of the 21^st century digital information age" (p.4). The anticipated "transformation" of the old National Archives and National Library of Canada is rooted in the LAC’s new mandate in the Library and Archives of Canada Act, assented to April 22, 2004. The Act retains "essential elements" of the former institutional mandates, but adds new scope and new powers. Notably, it introduces the "new legal concept, ‘documentary heritage’" which includes "publications in all media and records related to Canada". The LAC’s objectives include the acquisition, preservation, promotion and facilitation of access to Canada’s documentary heritage (an Advisory Council may be established to advise the national Librarian/Archivist on the last two functions), the care of government publications and records, the facilitation of government’s information management, the coordination of its library services, and, lastly, support of the "development of the library and archival communities." (DLAC 3)

LAC is currently at the stage of defining how it can best deliver on its mandate. Five "key directions" for the future have been articulated through working groups & discussion forums by LAC staff and it was on these broad directions that our input was sought. The five directions for change are that the LAC should be:

1. A new kind of knowledge institution, "firmly rooted in new opportunities of the 21^st century digital information age." LAC’s goal is to have its unparalleled Canadian collections "explored, used, understood and appreciated" by a growing number of Canadians. Providing "seamless access" will require "new ways to organize and describe" resources for easier access and broader use, and may include the joining of the AMICUS (library) and MIKAN (archival) databases (DLAC 4).

The institution will not be a passive repository. A focus on access, a capacity to interpret, and the provision of innovative services will encourage Canadians to discover, learn, appreciate, and share knowledge and culture. (DLAC 5)

Some puzzlement had been evident amongst us at the first use of the term "knowledge institution." Its import now seems clearer; the LAC is in the business of cultural evangelism.

We want to have a national presence and impact ... LAC must become more widely known, used, and valued by Canadians all across the country. Our location in the national capital region must be off-set by a constant and deliberate effort to achieve a pan-national presence, both virtual and physical. ... Canadians must be able to find their own communities’ heritage and culture within our collection." (DLAC 5)

DLAC’s emphasis on building upon its "wealth of networks and partnerships" to deliver its mandate was very much Marianne’s message. The commitment to building a stronger multicultural presence in collections and staff is welcome (DLAC 5). However, it was apparent, and became more so in discussing Direction 3 (below), that many of those present felt that past investments of time, effort and money in building networks at the provincial level were being undervalued in LAC’s drive to extend its reach.

To the suggested national roles of "promoting policy, national access catalogues, preservation research, standards development, international collaboration, and development and coordination of national strategies", it was suggested that the LAC should add advocacy for archives and their role.

We want to work with others to build a strong, cohesive collection of Canada’s documentary heritage, in which our own collection is only one part of the whole. We think there are two sides to this effort, one more internal ["we will manage LAC holdings as one collection ... Emphasis will be placed on integrating access so that our diverse collection parts can be searched as one"], one more external. ... [W]e will work within a network of institutions to give Canadians access to their full documentary heritage. (DLAC 6-7)

The ‘Questions for you’ associated with this third Direction included, "How can LAC best foster approaches for access and preservation of the whole of Canada’s documentary heritage?" and "What should be LAC priorities in providing support to different communities?" Here, sympathy for DLAC’s and Marianne’s apparent focus on recruiting provincial players for Library and Archives Canada’s national initiative waned. Us locals very much wanted confirmation that the new national institution not only recognized and valued the huge effort already invested in such networks as BCAUL, but was prepared to consult and support us in maintaining and strengthening such networks. Jennifer Mohan and Reuben Ware were particularly effective advocates for active federal support for B.C.’s archival infrastructure.

We want to be an important learning destination, helping to foster a nation of learners by helping Canadians to better understand Canada’s heritage, knowledge, and culture. (DLAC 7)

LAC proposes supporting all levels of researcher, from school-age children to life-long learners, by understanding their learning patterns and knowledge requirements, and tailoring content, finding aids, programmes, and services to enhance their enjoyment and understanding of both content and context (DLAC 6-7).

LAC’s legislated information management roles ensure its support of efficient information management for federal government decision-making, its final responsibility for custody and access to an authentic and reliable record of government business, and its ultimate duty of care for Canada’s national memory.

These 5 ‘key directions’ are seen as the means by which LAC will "contribute significantly to the success of Canadian society." (DLAC 9)

Certain "strategic approaches" will guide changes in LAC’s approach to its business, e.g.

"LAC is a new institution, and it will need to grow into its future. To define its best contribution to the social, economic and cultural development of Canada is a long-term endeavour ..." (DLAC 11). One enduring criterion that will steer that contribution is certain to be: "Is this proposed initiative in the national interest?"