Greetings,
We learned today that Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is planning to turn over exclusive rights to millions of its holdings of publically-owned books and artefacts to a private consortium to make available digitally for the next ten years. During that time, access to these LAC holdings will require payment to the private consortium. Below is the update we are posting today on the Canada’s Past Matters web site with more details and links to full reports on the deal LAC has negotiated with the private provider – Canadiana.org.
After reading about the details in the links below, please take a moment today to send an email to the Heritage Minister and to the opposition critics (contact information below) insisting that this privatization arrangement be cancelled. Please cc or bcc us on any message you send.
Thank you,
Jim
James L. Turk // Executive Director / Directeur général // Canadian Association of University Teachers / Association canadienne des professeures et professeurs d’université // 2705 promenade Queensview Drive / Ottawa, (Ontario) / K2B 8K2 // tél 613.726-5176 / téléc 613.820-7244 / mobile 613.277-0488 / [email protected] / twitter @jameslturk
Canada’s Past Matters
Save Library and Archives Canada – Update June 2013
Library and Archives Canada (LAC) has entered a secretive digitization agreement with Canadiana.org, a private consortium. During the 10 year contract, Canadians will have to pay to access materials they already own.
“The Heritage Project” will give the private Canadiana.org exclusive rights to millions of publically-owned books and artefacts. The contracting out of our collective heritage to private interest is contrary to LAC’s proclaimed interest in democratization and commitment to increased public access to its materials and services.
Read more:
http://bibliocracy-now.tumblr.com/post/52639678572/details-canadiana-lac-proposal
CAUT strongly opposes this privatization of public records and the limitations it places on access to our collective heritage. CAUT is also concerned with the lack of transparency and public accountability that has accompanied this project.
CAUT calls on all Canadians to contact the Heritage Minister, James Moore, and the Opposition Heritage Critics to demand that the planned privatization deal between LAC and Canadiana.org be cancelled.
The Hon. James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage & Official Languages
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Pierre Nantel , NDP Heritage Critic
Room 1260, La Promenade Building
Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0A6
613-992-8514
Scott Simms, Liberal Heritage Critic
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
Andrew Cash, NDP Associate Heritage Critic
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6
To find out more about the Save LAC campaign see:
http://www.savelac.ca /
For more information contact Rosa Barker: [email protected]
(613)726-5166