The MemoryBC.ca portal provides a searchable database of the materials available at archival repositories throughout the province of British Columbia. The British Columbia Archival Network Service (BCANS) is responsible for the maintenance and development of  Internet-based network resources created by the Archives Association of British Columbia, including MemoryBC: the British Columbia Archival Information Network site.

Current Institutional Members are provided with free use of MemoryBC to post and edit descriptions about their holdings in the database.

The Network Service program is also responsible for providing advice and assistance to archival institutions in the province wishing to use MemoryBC and to contribute new or revised information to the database.

For more information contact the MemoryBC Coordinator at bcans@aabc.ca. 

What can MemoryBC be used for?

Archival repositories preserve records, papers, photographs and lots of other types of historical information created by people and organizations over time. All of these materials are available to the public to access, research and enjoy. Archives can use MemoryBC to provide online research access to their holdings by including descriptions and finding aids. Members of the public can use MemoryBC to identify archival holdings that may be of interest whether for serious research or simply to take a glimpse into our province's fascinating and exciting past.

Researchers: some of the material is digitized and available online by following links from MemoryBC to the archival repository's own website. Other material can be accessed by visiting the archival repository during its public access hours. This information, along with address, contact information, etc. is all provided at MemoryBC.ca.

MemoryBC Policies

• MemoryBC Digital Object Policy (March 2012)
• MemoryBC Subject Headings (Final Draft, October 28, 2009)

Learn to use AtoM and MemoryBC

• AtoM User Manual (September 2018)

• Additional training on the use of MemoryBC can be provided by the Education and Advisory Services (EAS) Coordinator at aabc.advisor@aabc.ca.

History of MemoryBC

MemoryBC used to be known as BCAUL (BC Archival Union List) that was established in 2000. In 2009, AABC migrated the BCAUL database to the open-source Access to Memory (AtoM) software and took the opportunity to re-name the site MemoryBC.ca.

• "BCAUL / ICA-AtoM Project Update", AABC Newsletter, Spring 2009
• Artefactual Systems Inc. website

Financial support for the establishment of the provincial database was provided by the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (UBC), Library and Archives Canada (National Archival Development Program), and the Canadian Council of Archives.