Library and Archives Canada: A Unique Institution

Abstract

The legislation which created Library and Archives Canada was passed in 2004, establishing one of the first organizations in the world to fully integrate the services and functions of a national library and a national archives. The intent was not simply to combine two functions under a single administration, but to create a new, integrated, knowledge-based institution. One of the first challenges LAC faced was to design an organizational structure that would enable it to achieve its legislated mandate, including making Canada's documentary heritage known and more accessible. The vision of this new institution is embodied in a document called Directions for Change, which sets out five key directions for LAC's future: to become a new kind of knowledge institution; a truly national institution; a catalyst, working with others to strengthen the whole of Canada's documentary heritage; a prime learning destination; and a lead institution in government information management. Directions for Change also established the main elements that would guide LAC through the transformative process, such as making access the primary driver, going digital in all aspects, finding new approaches to describing Canada's documentary heritage, and putting a clear focus on the client. By following this direction, Library and Archives Canada has transformed not only itself, but the shape of our accumulated knowledge, and how it is used.