Library and Archives Canada’s Intellectual Freedom Statement
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) supports intellectual freedom, the human right to seek information, learn, and share ideas without barriers.
LAC upholds intellectual freedom by:
- Building national collections that reflect diverse voices
- Making our collections available to all
- Showcasing stories through our programming, exhibitions, and online content
- Creating space for the exchange of ideas
- Supporting discussions on intellectual freedom
Context
Libraries and archives around the world play a critical role in upholding intellectual freedom. Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is no different. As outlined in the Library and Archives of Canada Act, LAC has a mandate to acquire and preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, contributing to the cultural, social, and economic advancement of Canada. We uphold intellectual freedom by acquiring and providing access to documentary heritage that reflects diverse human experience throughout history.
1. Building national collections that reflect diverse voices
As a national library and national archive, LAC has a responsibility to ensure its collections reflect the varied histories and voices of Canada.
LAC acquires records of national significance, ensuring that the collections are representative of the richness of Canadian society. LAC is legally required to acquire certain types of materials, including records of the Government of Canada. As the national library, LAC also has a legal deposit program to acquire published material created in Canada.
2. Making our collections available to all
LAC strives to provide as much access as possible to records while meeting its legal obligations to protect sensitive information and an individual’s right to privacy.
LAC provides access to materials in its collections through a variety of methods, including its website, in-person services, programming, and requests made under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act. LAC also strives to make materials in its collections more easily available through various Strategies and initiatives such as the digitization of analogue materials.
Access to and use of items in the collections may be restricted or subject to certain requirements due to terms of use, copyright, physical condition of the material, preservation concerns, and conditions arising from donor agreements.
LAC does not restrict access to items in its collections based on a user’s intentions. Use of an item from LAC’s collections does not imply LAC’s endorsement of how it is used.
LAC recognizes Indigenous data sovereignty and works collaboratively with Indigenous rights holders to ensure culturally informed and respectful access to records relating to their heritage and history.
Certain parts of LAC’s collections contain historical language and content that may be considered offensive or potentially harmful to users working with those records. In general, LAC does not restrict access to collections based on the potential sensitivity of their content. Users are advised to exercise care, stay informed, and prioritize their well-being when engaging with these materials. For more information about historical language and content advisories, please see Notices about the collections.
3. Showcasing stories through our programming, exhibitions, and online content
LAC shares cultural and historical content from the collections through public programming, events, exhibitions, social media and its website. In this way, LAC supports intellectual freedom by amplifying diverse voices and experiences, and by increasing awareness of the full range of material available in the collections.
4. Creating space for the exchange of ideas
LAC supports intellectual freedom by encouraging the exchange of ideas and information on its social media channels and during activities held at its facilities, whether organized by LAC or by organizations that have reserved its spaces.
Whether in person or online, LAC welcomes clients with a wide range of perspectives, provided their actions comply with LAC’s User agreement, Terms and conditions, posted rules for individual spaces or equipment, and applicable legislation, including Canada's Criminal Code.
5. Supporting discussions on intellectual freedom
With a mandate to facilitate cooperation among the communities involved in the acquisition, preservation, and diffusion of knowledge, LAC is an active member of the Canadian and international library and archival community. LAC participates in ongoing discussions on intellectual freedom, censorship, and other issues critical to the present and future of the field.
Through these actions, LAC stands with libraries, archives, and other organizations across Canada and around the world in their commitment to intellectual freedom and opposition to censorship.
Challenges, appeals, and questions
LAC welcomes discussions about intellectual freedom and our decision-making processes. We invite you to submit questions online, contact us by email or telephone, or visit one of our service points in person.
Additional resources and links
LAC’s approach to intellectual freedom is guided by:
- legislation, including the Library and Archives of Canada Act, the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act, and the Copyright Act
- best practices from the library, archival, and documentary heritage sectors, including the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions, the International Council on Archives, and the Canadian Federation of Library Associations
- the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act and the rights of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Nations peoples to exercise control over access to their records
Information on how LAC acquires and provides access to its collections can be found in LAC’s strategic planning documents, such as: