The Fort Nelson Public Library Northern Rockies Region Archives (“FNPL Archives” or “the Archives”) is housed at the Fort Nelson Public Library (FNPL). Research space and assistance are provided by the Archives Manager, designated Archives staff, or the Library Director.
All in-person research must be conducted within the FNPL space under the supervision of the Archives Manager or designated staff. Archival items are not permitted to leave the building except under the care of the Archives Manager.
Items catalogued to eHive, FNPL Archives’ online content management system, can be accessed at any time by any user. There are no restrictions on access; however, researchers must be aware that the FNPL Archives retains copyright for all items catalogued on eHive.
All researchers must agree to adhere to the following before they will be provided access to archival material.
Research Requests
Newspaper Collection
Access to the Fort Nelson News archives is self-directed after the initial consult. Researchers must receive access to the collection from the Archives Manager or designated staff before they begin. Once access is gained, researchers must adhere to the following:
- Volumes must be removed from the cabinet by the Archives Manager or designated staff. The collection is delicate and cannot be overhandled;
- No food is allowed within close proximity of the newspaper collection. Researchers may have closed-top beverage containers within the research space but not on the same table as the volumes;
- Volumes must be handled delicately. The Archives Manager or Library Staff will provide guidance on how this should be done;
- Researchers are permitted to take photographs of the newspapers using their own devices;
- Photocopies or scans of articles must be done at the discretion of the Archives Manager or designated staff and will be subjected to the applicable fees.
Archival Collection
The FNPL Archives is working towards being fully accessible online through eHive. Researchers can begin their search using this online database. As listed above, there are no restrictions on access using eHive. Items which are of interest to researchers can be discussed with the Archives Manager and reproduced using the fee list below.
Archival items not catalogued on eHive require the assistance of the Archives Manager or designated staff. Given the limitations with access, research of uncatalogued archival items cannot be self-directed at this time.
The FNPL Archives welcomes research inquiries received by telephone or email. In-person researchers should be aware that the Archives do not have designated “open hours.” Outside of accessing the newspaper collection, appointments must be made to ensure the Archives have available staff to meet the researchers’ needs.
With regards to research assistance, there is no charge if the information is readily available. If the Archives Manager or designated staff must dedicate more than one hour to fulfill a request, researchers will be charged $25 per hour. We recommend that researchers approve an hour or two of research. Staff can generally survey the collection, advise what material is available, and estimate costs for reproduction at that time.
Research & Reproduction Fees
| Staff assisted or commissioned research | $25.00 / hour |
| Archival reproduction – digital | $20.00 / image |
| Digital images mailed on CD | $5.00 for CD envelope |
| Photocopying / Printing | $0.25 / page (monochrome); $1.00 / page (colour) |
The intent for archival reproduction must be indicated at the time of the request. Researchers must complete a CONDITIONS OF USE AGREEMENT before reproduction requests will be approved.
All research and reproduction costs must be paid in advance by cheque or cash (in-person only).
[1] The condition of the newspaper volume will dictate the suitability for making copies. This decision will be made by the Archives Manager or designated staff member assisting with the research
[2] The FNPL Archives are only able to offer digital reproduction currently. Images will be provided via email or on archival CD
[3] Most email providers tend to compress images and restrict the amount of content that can be sent. If image quality will be impacted by these restrictions, the FNPL Archives recommends having images copied to an archival quality CD and mailed through Canada Post