Inquiries and Information

Archives staff will:
  • answer specific questions relating to our collections, catalogues and finding aids;
  • answer questions relating to our policies and procedures;
  • process requests for copies of specific archival records;
  • process permissions forms and reproduction requests for special media (in accordance with copyright legislation and donor restrictions);
  • process requests for certified copies of documents required for court/legal purposes;
  • reply to requests made under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
We are unable to answer general questions or conduct broad-based research for youSuch inquiries will NOT receive a response from staff.
 
If you cannot come in person to the Archives and would like assistance with onsite research (someone to conduct broad-base research for you) please consult the Independent Research Agent Register.  Please note that listing in the Register does not mean accreditation by the BC Archives.
 
When sending your inquiry, by mail, fax, electronic form and email,  please include your full name, complete postal address and telephone number so that we can contact you if we have any questions and to arrange payment.

Please allow up to twenty working days for a reply to your question (email or faxed inquiries are not given priority treatment).  Inquiries sent by email or electronic form will receive an auto reply confirming that the inquiry has been successfully sent.
 
We also encourage you, before sending an inquiry, to consult other library and archival resources that might answer your specific research questions.  Links

IMPORTANT:
  Requests for off-site records retrieval and/or locker service should not be submitted electronically.  Make these requests in person or by phone.