An update on expanded services in the BC Archives reference room

BC Archives Release

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have provided remote service to our clients. Now we’re looking forward to seeing you in person.

As part of the Royal BC Museum’s phased reopening we are increasing access to onsite services in the reference room, starting July 30. Since June 15th, we have been providing access to the reference room to researchers with urgent treaty and legal projects with urgent deadline. On July 30, all researchers with urgent deadlines will also be able to request an appointment in the reference room.

On September 14, we will move to the next phase of on-site service, providing it is safe to do so. On this date, we will begin inviting all other researchers to book appointments in the reference room. Researchers will be allowed one appointment a week. During this phase, we will reserve one space (of the five permitted inside the reference room) for people conducting urgent treaty or legal research.

Safety comes first. To safeguard the health of staff and researchers, we are implementing a system of appointment-only visits. Through this reservation system, only five researchers (maximum) will be in the reference room at any one time. This will ensure everyone has adequate room for physical distancing, as per WorkSafe BC guidelines.

You may book your appointment by writing to access@royalbcmuseum.bc.ca. Appointments—and requests for records—must be made at least seven days in advance to ensure proper quarantine times for incoming records.

For more information about making appointments and hours of service in the reference room, please visit the Hours and Location page. 

Researchers will see and experience many upgrades to our health and safety protocols inside the reference room, including a reconfiguration of the space and the installation of transparent dividers to encourage social distancing and minimize accidental in-person contact.  Please follow the directions of staff during your appointment in the reference room as we welcome you back.  

Learn more about the new health and safety measures in place at the Royal BC Museum.