Library and Archives Canada (LAC) was created by merging the National Library of Canada and the National Archives of Canada under the Library and Archives of Canada Act in 2004. LAC’s role in the library field includes preserving Canada’s documentary heritage, serving as a knowledge source for cultural, social, and economic advancement, and facilitating cooperation in knowledge preservation. Its mandate includes collecting published heritage through legal deposit, acquiring significant private archives and media, and maintaining government records. LAC aims to enhance collection diversity and visibility, particularly focusing on under-represented groups, including Indigenous communities.

Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ), founded in 2006, plays a vital role in preserving Quebec’s French-language culture and heritage. It emerged from merging the Bibliothèque nationale du Québec, the Archives nationales du Québec, and the Grande Bibliothèque. BAnQ offers free access to vast collections, both online and in 12 public buildings, including La Grande Bibliothèque in Montreal. As the largest French-language library in North America, BAnQ provides millions of physical and digital documents to Quebecers, fostering a rich cultural environment and supporting the unique identity of Quebec within Canada.

The Department of Canadian Heritage (PCH) is responsible for the promotion and support of Canadian culture, arts, heritage, and identity. The department works on initiatives that may impact libraries, such as promoting literacy, supporting digital access to cultural content, and preserving Indigenous languages and cultures. LAC is a portfolio agency of this department, meaning that it reports to Parliament through PCH. Libraries, especially public libraries, are not generally included in the department’s support to Canada’s heritage institutions. Public libraries fall under a variety of provincial departments.

Consortia Canada is an informal group of library consortia representing all library types (public, post-secondary, health, special, and K-12 schools) working together to license electronic resources that are useful and relevant to members across the country. With a “made in Canada” approach, Consortia Canada’s primary goal is to contribute to the collection and organization of information and knowledge in digital form for the benefit of all Canadians.

The Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN) is dedicated to expanding digital content access for academic research and learning. CRKN negotiates licenses for digital content, supports digitization initiatives, and manages the Canadiana collections. The organisation works collaboratively to enhance scholarly communication, improve access to information, and promote open access and digital preservation efforts across Canada.

The Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL) is a collaborative consortium of university and college libraries in Atlantic Canada. It aims to enhance the quality of library services and resources through collective action, shared expertise, and resource sharing. CAAL focuses on areas such as open access, digital preservation, and the development of innovative library services to support teaching, learning, and research across its member institutions.

The Ontario Council of University Libraries (OCUL) is a consortium of 21 university libraries in Ontario. It collaborates to enhance research, teaching, and learning by providing shared digital infrastructure, resources, and services. Key initiatives include Scholars Portal, which preserves and provides access to digital information, and Collaborative Futures, which focuses on improving library management systems across the province. OCUL also negotiates licenses for electronic resources and supports professional development for library staff.

The Partenariat des Bibliothèques universitaires du Québec (PBUQ) is a collaborative network of Quebec university libraries that works to enhance information management and access. PBUQ develops and manages shared platforms and services such as digital research data repositories and geospatial data platforms. Its initiatives focus on collaboration, innovation, and supporting academic and research communities across the province.

While there is not a Library Act in Canada that governs all libraries, there does exist the Library and Archives of Canada Act (2004), which establishes the legal framework for Library and Archives Canada.

The Act Respecting Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (2006) sets the legal foundation for Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ). It includes provisions for the legal deposit of publications, requiring Quebec publishers to submit two copies to BAnQ, ensuring the preservation of Quebec’s documentary heritage. Quebec publishers must also deposit with Library and Archives Canada (LAC). BAnQ collaborates with LAC to optimize the management of legal deposits, particularly in the context of digital publications. The Act also addresses the acquisition and preservation of private archives and government records and supports BAnQ’s role in making these materials accessible to the public.

The Library and Archives of Canada Act (2004) establishes the legal framework for Library and Archives Canada (LAC). The Act mandates the legal deposit of publications produced in Canada, requiring publishers to deposit two copies with LAC. This provision ensures that a comprehensive collection of Canada’s published heritage is preserved for future generations. LAC collaborates closely with Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec (BAnQ) to optimize coverage, efficiency, metadata sharing, and publisher relations, particularly in adapting to the digital shift. Regulations define specific requirements for the deposit of print and non-print publications. LAC provides ISBN and ISSN agencies for Canada.

The Copyright Act of Canada governs the rights of creators over their works balanced with the rights of users and sets out the legal framework for copyright protection in the country.

Sections 30.1 to 30.5 of the Copyright Act provide exceptions and limitations for libraries, archives, and museums allowing them to provide copies of materials to users, support the activities of educational institutions described in section 29, aid private research and study, to digitize works for internal use for interlibrary loans, or to make copies to support the maintenance of library collections, under certain conditions.

Canada has a strong system for professional education and training in the Library and Information Science (LIS) sector, which is generally administered through graduate-level programs, however some undergraduate and continuing education certification programs do exist. LIS education prepares students for careers in libraries, archives, museums, and information management.

Graduate programs: The primary path to professional LIS education is through master’s programs. Seven universities have library or information schools offering master’s degrees; these programs are ALA-accredited:

• Dalhousie University
• McGill University
• Western University
• University of Alberta
• University of British Columbia
• University of Montreal
• University of Ottawa
• University of Toronto

Continuing education: Most universities with LIS schools offer continuing education courses and certifications/diplomas. Other library organizations, such as the Education Institute (EI) from the Partnership (Provincial and Territorial Library Associations of Canada) offer continuing education for the library community.

Partnership is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published bi-annually by The Partnership, a consortium of provincial and territorial library associations in Canada. The journal focuses on library practice, research, and management, offering a platform for scholarly articles, case studies, and reports. It serves academic, public, and special libraries, fostering professional growth and collaboration within the Canadian library community.

CJILS is a peer-reviewed academic journal published quarterly by the Canadian Association for Information Science (CAIS). It covers research in information science, library science, and related disciplines. The journal provides a forum for scholars to discuss theoretical and practical issues, with a strong emphasis on Canadian perspectives. It includes original research articles, reviews, and critical essays aimed at advancing the field.

The Canadian Journal of Academic Librarianship is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that focuses on research and scholarship in the field of academic librarianship in Canada. It covers a wide range of topics, including library practices, information literacy, digital scholarship, and the evolving role of academic libraries. Published by the Canadian Association of Professional Academic Librarians (CAPAL), the journal aims to contribute to the professional discourse and support the development of academic librarianship as a scholarly discipline. The journal is published annually, with contributions from Canadian and international authors.

EBLIP is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal published quarterly by the University of Alberta. The journal focuses on the application of evidence-based practice in the field of library and information science. It features original research, reviews, and commentary that provide insights into practical applications in libraries. The journal is intended for academic and practicing librarians who are interested in integrating research into their daily work.

La revue Documentation et bibliothèques (DB) a pour objectif de contribuer au partage et à l’avancement des connaissances dans le domaine de la bibliothéconomie et des sciences de l’information pour l’ensemble des pays de la Francophonie. Pour ce faire, son comité de rédaction est constitué de représentant.e.s de différents pays francophones et elle vise à publier des articles originaux en français issus de tous les pays de la Francophonie.

Canada celebrates Canadian Library Month every October. This month-long event highlights the importance of libraries in Canadian communities, schools, and academic institutions. Organized by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA) and regional library associations, the goal is to raise awareness about the value of libraries and the role they play in education, literacy, and cultural preservation. Activities during the month include special programs, author readings, workshops, and community events that showcase library services.

Each year, the 3rd Friday of October the month is marked as Canadian Library Workers Day.

The Ontario Library Association (OLA) Super Conference is Canada’s largest annual library conference, bringing together thousands of library professionals from across the country. The event features a diverse program of workshops, keynote speakers, and networking opportunities, covering topics like literacy, technology, and community engagement. It serves as a hub for sharing innovative ideas, exploring new trends, and fostering collaboration among librarians, educators, and industry experts.

The Congrès des professionnel·le·s de l’information (CPI) is a major annual event in Quebec, bringing together librarians, archivists, and other information professionals. Organized by the Association des bibliothèques publiques du Québec (ABPQ), this conference offers lectures, workshops, and training sessions on a variety of topics such as information management, technological innovation, and professional development. CPI is a key opportunity to exchange ideas, discover the latest trends, and strengthen collaborative networks among information professionals in Quebec.