Public Archives and Records Office
Reference Services
Reading Room: Archives staff are available to introduce researchers to the resources and services of the Archives, to demonstrate the use of the finding aids, provide instruction in the proper handling and use of different media and equipment, and to offer direction in the pursuit of individual research projects.
Collections: The Public Archives and Records Office houses collections in several different media. All are accessed by the researcher through the reference desk in the reading room. These include manuscripts and public records containing government, business, political, organizational, family and genealogical records and special media collections including photographs, maps and architectural drawings, film, videotape, and sound recordings.
Retrievals: Much microfilmed material as well as copy prints of some photographic images are readily available in the reading room as are reference tools and some published works. Archival documents, however, are held in restricted storage areas and a retrieval slip must be used to request these materials.
Most documents can be retrieved upon request but those stored off-site will require a delay of 24 hours. Also, there is no retrieval from basement storage during the evening hours. You may book these holdings in advance by telephone (902-368-4290), email, or in person. Records may be held for you rather than returned to storage if you plan to use them again within 48 hours.
There is no retrieval of any stored material later than 15 minutes prior to closing time.
Restricted Holdings: Some materials may be unavailable for consultation for reasons of preservation, protection of privacy, or donor agreements. Please consult reference staff regarding procedures for access to such materials.
Telephone, Email, and Mail Inquiries: We will respond to written and telephone requests about resources and services. Staff will also undertake limited research in response to specific inquiries and will advise patrons of the availability and suitability of appropriate collections. Inquiries will be processed in the order in which they are received. A response may take up to four weeks but is usually completed within two weeks. Please note that priority is not given to e-mail inquiries. When sending an inquiry by email, please be sure to include your full postal address as we may want to include information sheets or photocopies with our reply.
Interlibrary Loan: The Public Archives and Records Office does not participate in any interlibrary loan service; however, certain records relating to Island history are available from other sources: some Island newspapers may be borrowed from Library and Archives Canada; census records from 1841 on are available from Library and Archives Canada; and certain vital statistics, church and probate records have been filmed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
