Directions for Change

Section 2:
What will guide LAC?

2.5 Digital is mainstream

Information production is digital

The information environment has been irrevocably transformed by digital information and the Internet. The rapid move to digital has changed publishing, government, research, learning, culture, our professions-everything that our mandate touches. Within a few years, the preferred, authoritative record of government will be digital, and there is already a policy in place requiring web-based versions of all print publications. The publishing industry is intrinsically digital now. Photography and audio-visual production are rapidly transforming to digital. Much tangible evidence of Canada's business and economic activity, political environment, government content, current affairs commentary, research output, and community information is found in the newest of publishing vehicles: websites.

The digital environment, characterized by decreasing storage costs and an insatiable user base, is increasingly one of content abundance. Vast quantities of both current and retrospective content are being put online by all types of information providers-publishers, record and film companies, broadcasters, software or search engine companies, as well as cultural memory institutions.

Information consumption is digital

Paramount in pointing to the need to change is the fact that an increasing majority of users seek, as their first and often only choice, web-based information. They do this at a convenient computer at their home, school, office or library. Their primary search tool is currently likely to be Google. If they don't find what they seek on the first screen or two resulting from their simple 1- or 2-word search, they may try another term, but more likely will assume it doesn't exist. Their searching is not methodical and their research paths are not linear; comfortable and confident, they will jump freely around and across resources. And they are usually satisfied with what they easily find.

These users will bypass print resources; they will bypass online catalogues; they will bypass inter-library loan and reference assistance; and they will bypass physical libraries and archives. But they may very well be seeking resources that we have. Our current online survey shows that this is particularly true for young people engaged in learning, one of our key strategic audiences. Genealogists, another key client group, are likewise voracious consumers of online content.

All our collections, all our functions, all our services, and all our clients are affected. Yet to date, LAC digital initiatives have typically been specially funded with no guarantee of sustainability. Our many databases remain opaque to search engines. It has been challenging to embrace digital when production of print publications and records has not abated.

Viewing digital as a priority and an opportunity

LAC must consciously, proactively seek to understand the impact of digital and adapt itself to the new reality. Digital acquisitions, digital preservation, digital collection management, digital content delivery, digital reference-all are part of that reality. While content is what users seek, online is where they increasingly seek it. Digital is core to our business, and will be pursued as an over-arching strategic priority.

LAC will view digital as an opportunity. Our content, once locked in vaults, has proved to be valued and used in cyberspace; we must continue to put it there. Through technology, we can make our collection accessible as never before. We can provide more timely and convenient services to the user through online transactions. We can reach Canadians where they are. And we can exploit emerging technologies to transform the way we work.

Digital must be viewed as mainstream business because digital content is the expectation of the 21st century user. But also, the digital world is where information-related research and development, innovation, and funding is now concentrated. To adapt to the digital environment, Canadian libraries and archives need guidance, well-conceived funding programs, and concerted effort. As part of its national role, LAC can make a vital difference in helping to frame and advance a collaborative national digital strategy for Canada.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next