History Graduate Students' Union
University of Calgary
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Library and Archives Canada
Submitted by celeppar on Wed, 02/01/2012 - 7:45am
The Library and Archives of Canada is where most Canadian historians will end up doing their research. It holds most of the federal government's records and a large collection of personal papers from Canadians of note. As an archive the LAC has a number of impressive strengths along with some shocking weaknesses. On the whole it is a very laid-back and inefficient institution and that should be kept in mind when determining how much time is required to conduct one's work.
Strengths:
Online Finding Aid System: The LAC has a fantastic online catalogue with the vast majority of files and finding aids digitized. That's not to say that the documents are online but by spending a week with the very well built search function, a student can go to Ottawa with a nearly complete list of files that they want to find - complete with call numbers ready to order. Some work in hardcopy finding aids will be needed for most projects but it will probably be minimal.
Relaxed: Getting in is easy and involves no metal detector scans or hassle.
Weaknesses
Classification: A great many documents remain classified in the LAC and any project that requires material from as far back as the 1950s will have to allow time for archivists to read the documents. Anyone dealing with the 1960s or later will have a great deal of difficulty.
Access to Information: Classified documents can, in theory, be accessed through the Access to Information Act (Google for a request form). This is however a long process as the act is largely a political potemkin village. PhDs applying for documents at the beginning of their degree may receive them by year 3-4. Masters students should not rely on ATI.
Time and Quantity: Beware that the archives will bring you only 10 boxes per day. For students needing a large number of files for serious research this is a real hindrance. Files will also be brought back to you with at least a 24 hour delay. It is thus necessary to make your search in advance online and order your boxes well in advance of your trip.