Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is the federal institution tasked with acquiring, preserving, and making accessible Canada's documentary heritage. It serves as both the national library and the national archives, providing services to government institutions, researchers, educators, and the general public. LAC collects a wide range of materials, including books, periodicals, government documents, photographs, audiovisual recordings, and digital content. Through its preservation programs, it ensures the long‑term accessibility of both analogue and digital records for future generations. The organization also offers reference services, interlibrary loan, and digitization on demand to support scholarly and public inquiry.

LAC operates from its headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario, and maintains a network of regional service points and preservation facilities across the country. Its mandate extends to all Canadians, regardless of location, by providing online access to digitized collections and remote research support. The institution works closely with federal departments to manage the lifecycle of government records, from creation to final disposition. In addition to its preservation role, LAC promotes public engagement through exhibitions, educational programs, and collaborative projects with other cultural heritage organizations. Its outreach efforts aim to increase awareness of Canada's documentary heritage and encourage its use in lifelong learning.

As an agency of the Government of Canada, LAC reports to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and operates under the authority of the Library and Archives of Canada Act. This legislative framework defines its responsibilities for acquiring, preserving, and providing access to Canada's published and unpublished heritage. LAC's distinguishing attributes include its dual function as a library and an archive, its expertise in digital preservation, and its role as the official repository for federal government records. The organization does not have a parent or subsidiary structure; it is a standalone federal agency tasked with a national mandate. Through these functions, LAC supports transparency, accountability, and the cultural continuity of Canadian society.