Federal libraries, archives shutting down (Canada)

The Canadian federal government is eliminating a series of libraries and archives throughout different departments as part of the latest budget cuts. Library and Archives Canada alone has received or will still receive more than 400 affected notices and the department announced 20 per cent of its workforce would be let go. The cuts to the government's archival collections stretch beyond just one department, though. Libraries at the transport, immigration and public works departments will be eliminated. That is a scary prospect, according to researchers, genealogists and academics that often rely on such libraries and history to develop their work. "Professionals and scientists who work in those departments need access to those specialized libraries to develop policy," said James Turk, president of the Canadian Association of University Professors. "As well, other Canadians rely on those specialized libraries and there aren't other libraries that have those people and can make up for that."