The nature of Library and Archives Canada's (LAC's) mandate "to acquire and preserve the documentary heritage" of Canada is outlined in the Library and Archives of Canada Act. The general power given to the institution to "acquire publications and records or obtain the care, custody or control of them" is supported by more specific powers relating to sampling the Internet, the legal (that is, required by law) deposit of publications, and control of the disposition of the records of the Government of Canada.
In addition to these legally-mandated methods, material is also acquired by purchase, donation, exchanges, and special arrangements and partnerships.
