Later this summer there is to be a new access point for LAC online: library-archives.canada.ca. At least, it will be the beginnings of a new access point. As Eidinger writes:
We are also taking what is called an “iterative approach.” Essentially, we will start with a scaled-back version of the new website. This will be a launching pad for us. Our work will build on this initial version to develop the new website.
Well, I do wish them well, and it's a big job. Indeed, it's not web design that is at issue, but an understanding of what archives are for and can do. Go online to find what manuscript collections LAC has relating to some question in nineteenth century politics, say, and the old LAC would respond with "Here's a photo of John A Macdonald we have, and a trivial biography we worked up, and have a nice day." I'm pretty sure that was a feature, not a bug: I've listened to archival theorists explain why archives should be fun and attractive to the taxpaying public, and the old website seemed pretty determined to make us listen to the stories the archivists wanted to tell, as museums and the media do.
I fear it is going to be hard to wean the LAC from that mindset. The old LAC site seemed to be trying to compete with the Museum of Civilization: you came looking for sources and it offered you stories. I fear that mindset has gone deep into archival policy-making: archives should entertain and teach Canadians about Canada!
When their real job, and their real skill if they can apply it, is mostly descriptive: these are the records we hold, and this is what they may help you find out about. I'm not against archival websites doing some teaching, but they should teach about archives not about history. What they should focus their teaching on is how to really access and use the archives, how to find out what's in it, and and how to work (or play) with the miraculously rich materials that are in there. An archival website that thinks it is there to tell you what it thinks matters about Canadian history is an obstacle, not an aide.
There are some promising phrases in the brief intro noted above, but we will have to wait and see. The first topic area that will appear on the new website in its 'iterative approach' will be "the three most popular and most consulted topics for the launch: genealogy and family history, Indigenous history, and military history."
