Canada. Archivaria, Volume 1, Number 1. Winter, 1975/6.

Published by the Association of Canadian Archivists. Good with bump at right edge, affecting first few pages, otherwise fine.  Includes Claude Minotto,”La collection national de photographies” in French. Other articles about archives in English. Topics include Hudson’s Bay Company, Copyright; Religious Records; Appraisals for Tax Credit; and Gordon Dodds, “The Compleat Archivist.”  Other contents include book reviews and an extensive bibliography of literature about archives. 144 pages. Summary:

Archivaria, Volume 1, Number 1 (Winter 1975/6) marks the inaugural issue of Archivaria, a Canadian scholarly periodical devoted to the theory, practice, and history of archives and recordkeeping. Established by the Archives Association of Canada, this first issue set the foundation for an academic forum bridging professional practice and research in archival science.

Contents and Themes

The issue includes a mix of articles, essays, and reports, reflecting the dual aims of advancing archival scholarship and addressing practical concerns. Typical features include:

• Theoretical discussions on the nature of records, archival principles, and the evolving role of archives in society.

• Historical case studies illustrating the development of archives in Canada and abroad.

• Practical guidance on appraisal, preservation, cataloging, and access, aimed at professional archivists.

• Reviews and commentary on archival literature, technology, and methodologies.

A key theme of the inaugural issue is the professionalization of archival practice in Canada, emphasizing rigorous standards, critical reflection, and the importance of contextualizing records within societal and historical frameworks.

Significance

As the first issue of what would become a leading archival journal, Archivaria Volume 1, Number 1 provides insight into mid-1970s debates about archival theory, the role of professional associations, and the growing academic recognition of archival science. It established a precedent for combining scholarly research with practical guidance, influencing both Canadian and international archival practice for decades.

The issue remains a valuable historical document for understanding the emergence of archival studies as a recognized academic and professional field.