I had a day at the Ontario Archives recently. I've been to the Archives' new digs on the York University campus several times, but this was the first time since the opening of the YorkU stop on the extension of the University line subway. Goodbye to the "Jane Rocket" (ie, the bus).
I was kinda delighted to be greeted by this (above). As far as I know, I have never before been to an archives with its own subway signage before. It's really close too -- steps away once you get to this spot.
Speaking of the Ontario Archives, there was a document I needed but was not sure how to find and to order. I sent an email to the Reference Help email address and got a reply back promptly with all the guidance I needed. I confirmed a date to be there, and I arrived to find a desk booked for me and my documents waiting on a trolley beside it. Nice crunchy tangible paper documents, too, looking like no one had opened them since they were created fifty-odd years ago.
There have been a lot of problems with the conversion of archives to the digital world. But when it works, it's pretty good. Sad to say, there was only one other person in the spacious and well furnished Reading Room all day.
