Library archives achieve new designation

The Nipissing University and Canadore College archives, housed in the Harris Learning Library, has received a Category A designation from the Department of Canadian Heritage, making it a more attractive repository for donors.

The Category A designation allows the archives to collect material deemed by the Federal Government to have outstanding significance and national importance.

Achieving the designation was a process that began almost two-and-a-half years ago and involved input from many departments and individuals, from the archivists, to senior administration and employees in facilities and security, as well as colleagues in the archival community.

“The designation represents a seal of approval for the archives,” said Ed Driedger, manager of archives and access services for the Harris Learning Library.  “It demonstrates that our facilities, policies and security meet federal standards of documentation and preservation so that the Federal government trusts us to protect archival documents that are important to Canada’s history.”

The Harris Learning Library is now the only institution in the Near North Region to hold a designation of this nature making it an excellent repository for collecting, preserving and displaying the region’s history.   The next closest locations with designated institutions are in Ottawa, Toronto, Sault Ste Marie, and Thunder Bay.

“We should all be proud of this accomplishment.  It is vitally important that we collect and protect our local history, and this designation will help us in that endeavour,” said Nancy E Black, executive director, library services.

The Nipissing University and Canadore College Archives and Special Collections is a professionally staffed, 1500 square foot archives located within the Harris Learning Library.  Offering 1.2 linear kilometers of secure, climate controlled record storage and a reading / staff work room, the archives selectively collects, preserves and makes accessible records that have significance to the history of North Bay and area, Nipissing University and Canadore College.  With items dating back to 1639, archival records can take the form of manuscripts, rare books, film and video footage or primary source materials intended to support the research and learning of our faculty, students, staff and community members. 

Here is a list of other libraries in Canada with the Category A designation (note, the Harris Learning Library does not appear yet).