Research Tools

Library and Archives Canada (LAC) provides you with several electronic research tools which make access to its collection easier. AMICUS and ArchiviaNet are the two major tools.

AMICUS

A national Canadian catalogue listing bibliographical information about books, periodicals, music, videos and other published materials held at LAC. AMICUS also lists bibliographical information for materials held in other libraries across Canada.

ArchiviaNet

Provides access to LAC's archival databases comprising references to records from governmental and private sources, including textual records, maps, works of art, photographs, videos and films, sound recordings, architectural drawings, stamps, medals and globes.

Canadian Genealogy Centre

For family history research, consult Sources by Topic for information about records relating to immigration, land, census, births, marriages and deaths, etc.

For information about how to access military personnel files, consult Sources by Topic under Military, which includes First World War and Canadian Forces after 1918 (including Second World War).

Archives Search - Field Trial

Will progressively replace some databases in "ArchiviaNet". An icon  identifies those databases that are available in both the old "ArchiviaNet" and the new "Archives Search". You will continue to have access to LAC's archival databases comprising references to records from governmental and private sources, including textual records, maps, works of art, photographs, videos and films, sound recordings, architectural drawings, stamps, medals and globes.

Note: The databases listed in "ArchiviaNet" and "Archives Search" do not cover all the references to the archival records held by LAC. Often, references to some records will only be found in paper finding aids. These finding aids are filed in one of LAC's two reference rooms.

Search All - Field Trial

Allows you to search the following resources of LAC: LAC's website, LAC's library catalogue, and several of LAC's archival databases.

Note: Those who have found references to the material that they are interested in may wish to know more about consulting and borrowing material. Remember, you can always ask us a question.

If you cannot find the references to the records you are looking for on our website, ask us a question, or go to Hiring a free-lance researcher.

Digital Collections and Virtual Exhibitions

See More Topics: Browse Selected Topics.

Every year, LAC creates several new Web projects which showcase its digital collections and virtual exhibitions.

Research Aids

See More Topics: Browse Selected Topics.

LAC creates research aids which you will find useful while conducting your research.

Our Collection

A more detailed description of LAC's collection.

Reference Internet Resources is a subject guide to authoritative web resources which may be of assistance to your research. Please note that this guide is only accessible on site at Library and Archives Canada.