The Canadian Historical Association and the Writers' Union of Canada tend to be separate universes, but those who sometimes cross the gap were pleased this weekend with word from the Union AGM that it intends to remain involved in efforts to ensure that Library and Archives Canada remains (or becomes) responsive to users' needs and issues. It was specifically mentioned that the only other organization known to the Union for being concerned about these matters... is the CHA.
Some of the concerns motivating writers (and historians) were set out in a recent article by the critic and biographer Susan Crean in the Literary Review of Canada,"National Archives Blues" -- still available here. "Like many writers, I have spent a good part of my life in the archives," it begins.
