Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada preserves and makes accessible the documentary heritage of Canada. It also serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. This heritage includes publications, archival records, sound and audio-visual materials, photographs, artworks, and electronic documents.

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) combines the holdings, services and staff of both the former National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada. As outlined in the Preamble to the Library and Archives of Canada Act, LAC’s mandate is as follows:

to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations; to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada as a free and democratic society; to facilitate in Canada co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge; to serve as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions.

The Preservation Centre opened in June 1997 in Gatineau, Quebec. Its facilities are dedicated to the preservation of the country’s documentary heritage. The centre provides:

• optimal environmental conditions for collection storage
• labs equipped for preservation activities

Some of the architectural elements are reminiscent of the Canadian Prairies, where the project's principal architect, Ronald Keenberg, is from.

The Preservation Centre is Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) flagship building. Together with the Preservation Storage Facility, they form the Preservation Campus. Citizens and visitors can enjoy the green space surrounding the campus and read the interpretive panels to learn more about LAC.

Forty-eight vaults, each about 350 square metres large, house a variety of archival records and publications. They were designed to protect the collection against different types of dangers. A sophisticated system detects and suppresses fires, and the materials used inside the vaults are strictly controlled to avoid any contamination.

On the top floor, above the three-storey vault, is a village-like setting of laboratories. These labs are for: conservation treatment, preservation copying of records and digitization. This allows our preservation experts to work together under the same roof.

Related links can be found here

Research Guide to Holocaust-related Holdings at Library and Archives Canada:

• https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/holocaust/Pages/holocaust-research-guide.aspx
• or access this guide via the A-Z list of tools and guides at the following link: https://library-archives.canada.ca/eng/collection/research-help/all-tools-guides/Pages/all-tools-guides.aspx. You can then start typing “Holocaust” in the box at the top next to ‘Filter items’ and you’ll see this guide in the list.