![]() LICHTMEISTER/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM 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 included the largest collection of books in Canada on the social sciences. The libraries’ physical collections were entirely phased out as of March 31, 2013. The fate of the HRSDC libraries is not unique. Dozens of federal departmental libraries across the country have been closed or are destined for closure within the next year. 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 (LAC). 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. ClosedCanadian Heritage
Citizenship and Immigration (CIC)
Environment Canada
Foreign Affairs
Human Resources and Skills Development
National Capital Commission
Intergovernmental Affairs
Public Works and Government Services
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities
ConsolidatedCanada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Fisheries and Oceans (DFO)
Natural Resources
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