The Canadian War on Science: A long, unexaggerated, devastating chronological indictment
Cuts and Closures at Canada’s federal librariesFederal libraries are an important part of Canada’s cultural heritage. These specialist libraries house some of Canada’s most important collections. For instance, the Human Resources and Skills Development (HRSDC) Libraries include the largest collection of books in Canada on the social sciences. The libraries’ physical collections will be entirely phased out by March 31, 2013. The fate of the HRSDC libraries is not unique. Dozens of federal departmental libraries across the country are destined for closure within the next two years. No studies were done to assess the impacts of these closures, and for many of the libraries affected there is no clear plan for what will be down with their collections. Where plans have been developed, departments indicate that their libraries’ historically valuable material will be relocated to Library and Archives Canada. However, given that acquisitions at LAC have been dramatically diminished, the likelihood that it will be able to cope with a massive influx of material from departmental libraries is small. Library material qualified as “non-mandate” by departments will be offered to other departments or employees, sold through Crown Assets Distribution, or destroyed. Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Canadian Heritage
Citizenship and Immigration (CIC)
Environment Canada
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Foreign Affairs
Human Resources and Skills Development
National Capital Commission
Natural Resources
Intergovernmental Affairs
Public Works and Government Services
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
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