Explore unique highlights from UBC’s Open Collections, as well as insights into the work of the Digitization Centre. From announcements of new projects and collections to behind-the-scenes looks at our digitization process, we share the stories and hidden gems that inspire us in our efforts to preserve and make accessible diverse materials.
Explore Open Collections: R. Mathison Collection
Posted on Jul 21, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
The R. Mathison Printing Collection offers a fascinating glimpse into business and marketing practices in Vancouver at the close of the 19th century. In 1886, Robert Mathison opened his print shop just after a massive fire had ravaged much of the city and all three of its printers, allowing him to monopolise on business. This […]
Explore Open Collections: UBC Library Framed Works Collection
Posted on Jul 13, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
Did you know that UBC Library’s Archives and Rare Books and Special Collections owns some unique, one-of-a-kind artworks, including prints, photographs and charters? Several of these works form a part of larger collections held by the Archive (also known as fonds), while others document interesting aspects of British Columbia’s artistic history. Below we’ve selected some […]
Explore Open Collections: MacMillan Bloedel Limited Fonds
Posted on Jul 07, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
British Columbia’s history is closely tied to the development of industry and resource extraction in western Canada – from fishing to mining, there is no doubt that natural resources have been a driving force in shaping the province we’ve come to know today. Forestry is perhaps one of the most iconic industries in B.C., and […]
Canada Day at Open Collections
Posted on Jun 30, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
Canada is celebrating it’s 149th birthday this week, so we’ve pulled together some fun Canadiana from Open Collections for you to enjoy! The phenomenal Chung Collection features an incredible array of materials related to the early history of British Columbia, and the immigration and settlement that took place in the province from the mid-19th century. […]
Aboriginal (Un)History Month 2016
Posted on Jun 22, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
It’s Aboriginal History Month in Canada… or should we say Aboriginal (Un)History Month, recognising that Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and around the world, continue to live and write their stories every day! The UBC Point Grey campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ speaking Musqueam people. In recognition of this, […]
Celebrate Bike Month @ UBC!
Posted on Jun 15, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
When the spirits are low, when the day appears dark, when work becomes monotonous, when hope hardly seems worth having, just mount a bicycle and go out for a spin down the road, without thought on anything but the ride you are taking – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Whether you’re 5 or 105, chances are you’ve […]
World Oceans Day 2016
Posted on Jun 08, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
In recognition of World Oceans Day (June 8), we’re highlighting the unique ocean-related materials featured in Open Collections, as well as some of the important ocean research and advocacy work that takes place right here at UBC! One of the most prominent collections featuring sea life is our Traité Général des Pesches, a series of […]
Phase 3 of BC Sessional Papers Complete!
Posted on Jun 01, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
Phase 3 of the British Columbia Sessional papers have been digitized, and extend the collection over a further twenty-year period, from 1912 to 1932. With the addition of these 664 new papers, the collection now totals 2409 items! The Sessional Papers are an annual collection of selected papers tabled in BC’s Legislative Council (1865-1871) and […]
Asian Heritage Month feature: Tairiku Nippō
Posted on May 24, 2016 by Alyssa Hamer
May is Asian Heritage Month in Canada, and in order to celebrate, today’s post will feature highlights from UBC Library’s collection of Japanese-Canadian newspaper, Tairiku Nippō (Continental Daily News). Published in Vancouver between 1907 and 1941 and written primarily in Japanese, the Tairiku Nippō acted as an important informational resource and community touchstone for Japanese […]
Out with the Old in with the New!
Posted on May 13, 2016 by Alexandra Kuskowski
Loyal blog readers (and you unloyal ones – you know who you are) it is time for a change in regime. Every week for the past year I have been bringing you the news from Digital Initiatives. Next week you will be getting a new coop student, Alyssa, bringing the best behind the scenes look […]