In Our Collection

Collection Development Framework

Key Concepts

Although not defined in law or regulation, the following concepts are central to LAC's understanding of its collecting mandate:

• Heritage value: materials are considered to be of "heritage value" if they either reveal typically Canadian experiences or stories; document events or trends (cultural, political, economic, social, demographic, scientific and religious) with a national scope; provide valuable insights into the activities of a diverse and developing society; or are of a rarity and importance that allows them to be considered national treasures.
• Canadiana: material published in Canada, and material published in another country if the creator is Canadian or if the publication has a Canadian subject.
• Publications and records of interest to Canada: materials published, produced, or created in Canada, and materials published or produced in another country where the creator is Canadian, or where the publication or record has a Canadian subject.
• Creator: any individual or organization who has assumed a creative function in relation to the material, for example, as author, performer, producer, artist, photographer, or composer. An individual Canadian creator can be a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident in Canada, a temporary resident during the time the material was created, or an expatriate who is still generally recognized as being Canadian.
• Subject of interest: generally considered to be a place, a personality, a group, an event, an activity, an experience, or a theme that has had a significant national or international effect on or illustrates a nationally important aspect of the history and the social and cultural life of Canada. Included, for example, are organizations and individuals who have had a significant impact on Canada's development and have assisted in defining aspects of the Canadian identity.

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