11 January 2011

Ordering digitized documents from Library and Archives Canada

On December 2, following on a November 18 press release "Library and Archives Canada now offers digital reproductions of textual documents," I ordered a full scan for digital delivery of a CEF service file. The following day I completed follow-on administrative business. Delivery was to be within 30 days. I wondered if it was calendar or working days.

On January 10 I received notification that the digitized material was available for downloading, well over 30 calendar days, 25 working days. We need wonder no more.

The quality of the images is excellent. Having a colour scan with ability to zoom in helps with detailed examination.

A major motivation in ordering this material was to have it permanently available online.

The November 18 2010 press release states that "As a result of this modernization initiative, LAC will add digitized images generated by client requests to its website, whenever permissible, thereby making a broader range of LAC holdings available to Canadians."

However, an email informed I had 45 days to download.  "If you fail to download the documents, the only way to regain access to the information will be to make a new request and pay all associated charges."

That is quite at variance with the announcement. I've requested clarification.

1 comment:

WJM said...

The November 18 2010 press release states that "As a result of this modernization initiative, LAC will add digitized images generated by client requests to its website, whenever permissible, thereby making a broader range of LAC holdings available to Canadians."

And yet they still have no interest in similarly using digitized images generated by its clients.