(Our apology for cross posting)



How Legislation Affects Archives or ‘How not to go to Jail’



Dates: March 12-13, 2015 – 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Place: Archives of Ontario, Toronto
(134 Ian Macdonald Boulevard)
*workshop will be held in the George Spragge classroom



In your role as an archivist how many times have you heard “well, it’s the law” or “we are legally required” to do – or not do – something? Many aspects of the operations of archives and the work of archivists are governed to some degree by an array of legislation, both federal and provincial.



It is important for archivists to have an understanding of the nature and scope of the major pieces of legislation that affects their work. This should include awareness of the content of applicable laws, their implications on the work of archivists, and the responsibilities and expectations they place on archives, their staff and patrons. Indeed, it is important to understand to whom a law actually applies and who is ultimately responsible for compliance: the archives as an institution, its sponsor or governing body, its staff or its patrons.


Topics to be covered include:

·         Copyright Act

·         Access to Information and privacy protection

·         Municipal Act

·         Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

·         Occupational Health and Safety Act



Join your colleagues in this two-day workshop exploring these issues through a mixture of interactive lectures, case studies and small group discussion. While you will not receive specific legal advice (note the less than subtle disclaimer) you will leave with a solid understanding of what these often complicated pieces of legislation mean in practice to you and your work as archivists.


The workshop will be instructed by Archivist, Robin Keirsteid.

Paid parking is available. For more information on the location see: http://www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/about/prepare.aspx


Cost: Per workshop $250 + HST for AAO members and $400 per workshop for non-members. Minimum participation is 10 for this workshop with a maximum set at 25.


To register, visit the AAO website (http://aao-archivists.ca/Workshops) under the “Learn” section or call the AAO Office at 647.434.3334.



Please note: If the minimum participant number is not reached the workshop will be cancelled. Registered participants will be contacted by Friday, February 27th, 2015 to confirm the status.






Robin Keirstead is the University Archivist at Western University. He holds a Master of Archival Studies from the University of British Columbia and a Master of Arts in History from Queens University. He has worked as a manager of corporate records for the City of Kitchener, and manager of corporate publishing and information management at the Region of Waterloo. Robin volunteers his time as a cadet instructor for the Canadian Forces. In 2011, he was awarded the Canada Forces’ Decoration (CD) for his involvement with cadets.

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