We're experiencing some technical difficulties with the new release (1.2.3) of the Scout Portal Toolkit software. Please bear with us as we work through the situation. Users can search and browse for resources, but the editors are unable, at the present time, to add or edit existing resources without possibly compromising the integrity of the database. -- David Mattison

On May 18, 2004 the Vancouver Sun published as an online extra a categorized list of 10,000 Web Links. In the History category, the BC History Internet/Web Site, the predecessor of the BC History Portal, ranked number one.

The BC Archives launched our website and onsite client satisfaction surveys on May 28, 2004 (http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/services/forms/wssurvey.htm). The surveys are intended to provide us with information that will assist in better serving our clients' research needs.

The questions in the online survey are focused on the content, form and function of our website (http://www.bcarchives.gov.bc.ca/index.htm) while questions in the onsite survey focus on the service delivery, access and facilities and cost of reproductions of archival material.

Copies of the onsite survey are available in the reception area of the archives building.

The onsite survey is also available to print as a PDF document from the online survey if clients are unable to visit the archives to pick up a copy in person.

We are asking that researchers submit their surveys no later than June 30, 2004 (extended from previous June 16 deadline). If you use the archives yourself, or know of people who do, we ask that you let them know about the surveys.

Feedback is the most important way we can gauge our successes and focus on future improvements.

If you have any further questions about this survey and the use of this information, feel free to contact Kathryn Bridge, Manager, Access Services at Kathryn.Bridge@gems1.gov.bc.ca or (250) 387-2962.

Posted by David Mattison on behalf of the BC Archives

On Saturday, March 27, 2004, I discovered that the BC History Portal was no longer accessible at http://bc.cap-pac.org/SPT/ The BC Community Networks Association technical staff finally resolved this unfortunate situation by establishing a new domain: http://bchistoryportal.tc.ca.

Terry Reksten Memorial Fund applications are invited until June 30th, 2004.

This award is designed to help small archives in B.C., and comes with very minimal eligibility requirements. This may be the easiest grant application you ever complete, and no matching funds or contributions are required.

Founded in honour of the late Terry Reksten, well known British Columbia historian, the Fund annually offers an award of $600 to a Community Archives in British Columbia to assist in the endeavour of acquiring, preserving, indexing or disseminating information on archival documentary heritage of British Columbia in the broadest sense of the word. The award is administered by the Friends of the British Columbia Archives.

Eligibility Criteria are:

1. The Archives must be open to the public 8 hours a week or more
2. The Archives shall have three or fewer paid employees
3. No Archive is eligible to receive moneys from the fund in two consecutive years.

The winner for 2003 was the Bulkley Valley Historical and Museum Society. Their project was to encapsulate some of their more fragile maps so that they could allow access to researchers while protecting the valuable collection for future use.

Applications for the 2004 grant will be received until June 30th. Please outline your project/need in not more than half a page and provide details of eligibility. Submit to:

Friends of the British Columbia Archives - Grant Committee
c/o B.C. Archives
675 Belleville St
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 9W2

or by e-mail to: ragreene@telus.net

The winner will be chosen and announced in September.

The successful applicant will be required to provide notification on completion of the project, and a short report for the Friends of the BC Archives Newsletter.

Posted on behalf of Ann ten Cate, Archivist and Outreach Coordinator, Access and Information Management Services, B.C. Archives, Royal British Columbia Museum Corp.