ARCHIVESCANADA.CA: analyzing our past to build better open knowledge digital infrastructure for Canada's documentary heritage
Wednesday May 14, 2025
From 3:30pm to 4:00pm
ARCHIVESCANADA.CA, the national finding aid network, was once envisioned as a cornerstone for democratizing online access to Canadian archives. On October 20, 2001, the Canadian Council of Archives (CCA) launched the ARCHIVESCANADA.CA database, initially containing profiles for 800 archival institutions across the country and enabling researchers to search and browse thousands of archival descriptions, authority records, and selected virtual exhibits. Two decades since launch, ARCHIVESCANADA.CA funding, technology, standards, and people contexts have drastically changed. Database updates have stalled but important legacy data remains uniquely available at persistent URLs available only through ARCHIVESCANADA.CA. In January 2024, the CCA launched a strategic Working Group to analyze and revitalize this essential resource.
This presentation will deliver critical insights about ARCHIVESCANADA.CA as a case study that speaks to broader challenges facing digital cultural heritage initiatives across Canada. As CRKN community members pursue open knowledge and sustainable futures, we must work together to confront our shared pressing realities: the precarious nature of project-based funding models; over-reliance on volunteer labour to support core national research infrastructure; escalating cybersecurity threats; and iteratively understanding our user community’s changing expectations and behaviours while gaining/keeping their trust and attention in the era of AI.
This presentation will also deliver results from the Working Group’s bilingual national survey conducted to capture perspectives from both GLAM practitioners and researchers. These findings illuminate the current state of archival discovery in Canada and can help chart a path forward for ARCHIVESCANADA.CA as well as other national research infrastructure.
Speakers
Co-Chair of Canadian Council of Archives ARCHIVESCANADA.ca Working Group and Digital Initiatives Librarian at UTL
Submitting on behalf of Canadian Council of Archives ARCHIVESCANADA.ca Working Group