BC Archives, following its decision to open its reference room on July 30, announced yesterday it will move to the next phase of its onsite service, providing it is safe to do so.
On September 14, BC Archives will begin inviting researchers to book appointments in the reference room. Researchers will be allowed one appointment a week. During this phase, the provincial archives will reserve one space (of the five permitted inside the reference room) for people conducting urgent treaty or legal research.
Researchers will see and experience many upgrades to health and safety protocols inside the reference room, including a reconfiguration of the space and the installation of transparent dividers to encourage social distancing and minimize accidental in-person contact.
Appointments must be booked by by writing to access@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Appointments and requests for records must be made at least seven days in advance to ensure proper quarantine times for incoming records.
What seems confusing is the difference between the “expanded in-person services” beginning July 30 and the “onsite service by appointment” on September 14. BC Archives will explain if you send them an email to set up an appointment.
