All persons arriving at the BC Archives to perform archival research must complete the registration procedures before being admitted to the reference room. In order to register, persons must be at least 16 years old and must present acceptable photo identification.
To receive full registration privileges (e.g., permission to request original material, permission to use original material after full-service hours):
Researchers resident in Canada are required to provide acceptable photo identification. Examples include:
• Provincial driver's license;
• BC or other provincial ID card;
• Status card;
• Government ID with photograph;
• Valid university/college student ID card with photograph.
Researchers resident outside of Canada are required to provide acceptable photo identification. Examples include:
• Driver's license with photograph;
• Passport;
• Valid university/college student ID card with photograph.
The following cannot be used as a form of identification:
• Business card;
• Library card;
• Telephone book;
• Credit card.
Researchers must also complete a registration card, noting their current home address and topic of research.
Individuals unable to provide acceptable photo identification, but who are accompanying a researcher who has acceptable photo identification, will receive a "day pass" (valid 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.). These individuals will be permitted entrance to the reference room for that day only to accompany another researcher but will not have permission to request original material or request the use of original material after full service hours.
Registration must be renewed annually and must be done in person, Monday to Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. No new registrations will be taken on partial service evenings or Saturdays.
Researchers are required to sign in and out at the Security Desk in the reception area on each subsequent visit.
Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a registered parent or guardian who will be responsible for the child during the entire visit. The BC Archives reserves the right to refuse to provide original material to children.
The BC Archives reserves the right to refuse to provide service to persons whose motives or intentions appear questionable. Instances of abuse of and damage to material will result in the withdrawal of access privileges. Abusive treatment of staff by patrons or inappropriate and disruptive behaviour, may also result in the withdrawal of access privileges.