BC Archives has re-considered its decision to keep its reference room closed until 2021, perhaps because of the outcry from the Friends of the BC Archives, the British Columbia Historical Federation, the Canadian Historical Association, and others.
Beginning July 30, the reference room at the BC Archives will offer expanded in-person services, in strict adherence to archival best practices and following the province’s COVID-19 guidelines.
Joanne Orr, deputy CEO and vice-president of Collections, Research and International Programs at the Royal BC Museum, said, “After much study of our space and how archival materials are typically handled, and following the advice of the provincial health authorities and WorkSafeBC, we have determined it is safe to expand access to in-person services in the reference room.”
The Royal BC Museum reopened its second floor to the public on June 19, after closing its doors on March 17 in response to the pandemic. The museum’s other galleries will open incrementally throughout the summer.
The BC Archives has continued to provide archival services throughout the pandemic, with archivists and access technicians offering on-site services for court requests and legal matters. BC Archives staff have also offered remote services throughout the pandemic, connecting with researchers digitally.
As the reference room is a high-touch area, staff have carefully considered the expansion of in-person service, balancing access to materials with the need to protect staff and researchers from possible infection.
More information about the reference room’s expansion of services will be available in the next several days.
