Individual laboratories for conservation treatment and copying of records are constructed in a village-like setting, on the top floor of the building, directly over the three-story vault structure. This enables all of the Library and Archives Canada preservation experts, approximately 70 in total, to work together under the same roof.

Records Storage

Forty-eight vaults for the storage and handling of archival records, offering 4 different environments and approximately 350 square metres each, house a variety of archival records. Vaults are designed to protect documents by eliminating potential threats, by a sophisticated fire detection and suppression system, and by carefully controlling all materials used inside the vault to maintain a contaminant-free environment.

Circulation of Archival Records

Archival records are transported from the Preservation Centre in Gatineau to researchers in downtown Ottawa. The movement of documents between storage and reference areas is controlled by an automated tracking system. Dedicated circulation staff receive, transport and circulate over 100,000 containers of documents annually to and from 5 sites.

Mechanical Plant

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are located in a mechanical plant designed to be separate from, but connected to, the records storage and laboratory facilities. This feature separates and isolates the sensitive laboratory and storage functions of the building.