Photo courtesy of Don Erhardt.
Digitization of historical newspapers at the Library has led to unexpected surprises and research discoveries for curious library users.
The BC Historical Newspapers portal, online since 2011, allows users to browse through newspapers from various BC communities including Agassiz, Kaslo, Nelson, Fernie, and Nanaimo. Web users can discover a trove of historical information dating back to the late 1890s and explore BC through newspaper headlines and stories.
For researchers, the newspapers have unearthed valuable data and information that can be used in a variety of ways. The Heritage Vancouver Society used the Daily Building Record to locate previously missing Vancouver building permits from 1912. The Revelstoke Museum and Archives used various newspaper titles in their research on the history of snow and avalanche for an exhibition. The Museum also included select information on previously unknown avalanche events in the Canadian Avalanche Centre Database.
“I appreciate the easy availability to newspapers from other communities, especially when I’m working on research that involves more than just Revelstoke,” says Cathy English, Curator at the Museum, adding that she often recommends the portal to historians and other researchers.
The portal, generously inspired and supported by a private family foundation, continues to grow with the addition of more than 100 titles for 2013/14 including the Peninsula Times, the Coast News, and the Creston Review. UBC alumni will also note that the student publication, the Ubyssey, is being digitized and content added to the portal with issues dating as far back as 1918.
“This is an excellent example of the Library’s digital agenda and connecting with communities around the province,” says Allan Bell, director of Library Digital Initiatives. “We’re grateful for the support and excited about pursuing projects that bring the Library to the world.”
To find out more about the BC Historical Newspapers, visit historicalnewspapers.library.ubc.ca. Have you used the BC Historical Newspapers for your own research or project? Share your story with us by emailing library.communications@ubc.ca.
This story originally appeared in the 2013 Friends newsletter.