Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives earns provincial recognition for archival leadership

The University of Waterloo Libraries’ Special Collections & Archives (SCA) is the recipient of the 2026 Archives Association of Ontario (AAO) Institutional Award. 

Presented annually, this award recognizes an archival institution that has made a significant contribution to the advancement of the archival field or demonstrated innovation in the developing outstanding programs or services. 

SCA is being recognized for its leadership in archival description, improving access to their unique collections as well as their willingness to share expertise with other institutions. Recent initiatives include creating more detailed descriptive records, increasing the findability of materials in the archives database and developing guidelines to address problematic language in archive descriptions.

Since its founding in 1976, SCA has built a record of progressive archival practice and outreach. From a foundational focus on women’s studies and regional industrial development to more recent leadership in equity- and reconciliation-focused archival practice, SCA has helped shape best practices in Canadian academic archives. The recent launch of fourteen new collections strengths positions SCA to support teaching, learning and research at the University of Waterloo and beyond well into the future. 

“We’re deeply proud of the work of Special Collections & Archives, particularly in its leadership in sharing expertise around archival description,” says Beth Namachchivaya, University Librarian. "It’s gratifying to see their work recognized by peers across Ontario.”

The award was announced at the AAO annual conference in Toronto on May 8, 2026. Founded in 1993, AAO supports and promotes the work of archivists in preserving Ontario’s history and culture.