On 5 January LAC posted a tweet with this before and after image of the August 1922 Dominion Government Telephone Directory. LAC added that after 100 hours of conservation it is in excellent shape to be digitized and can remain on the consultation shelf for a while longer.
Why would LAC not immediately digitize and withdraw the original from routine consultation?
Did you know there are 19 directories in the series, from 1922 to 1948. All are indicated in the catalogue as “not available”, some temporarily, some permanently? Why is LAC not digitizing them, or making them available for digitization, just as it has with its Vernon Ontario directories?
Those with a long memory may recall that in February 2009 LAC issued a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEOI) “in order to identify collaborative opportunities for the digitization of its diverse collections. Arrangements could include digitization and/or the creation of nominal indices or other research tools.” https://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/2009/02/lac-opens-doors-wide-for-collaborative.html
More recently Leslie Weir promised “enhanced digital presence” when she became Librarian and Archivist of Canada. https://anglo-celtic-connections.blogspot.com/2019/09/more-digital-promised-at-lac.html
What has been done? Should LAC look again at issuing a Request for Expressions of Interest?
There may be a copyright issue at play here. In the case of the Vernons’ Ontario directories, The Ontario Genealogical Society acquired copyright from the original holders. We then brokered the agreement between LAC, FamilySearch and OGS to allow the digitization to proceed.