Distinguish the release from the original broadcast
Library and Archives Canada directs users to its Aurora library catalogue for published audiovisual holdings such as commercially distributed films or television shows. Its film, video and sound guidance also points toward archival discovery and a small online selection.
Imagine a researcher wants the television coverage of a historical event. A later documentary released on DVD may discuss it, but it is not the original broadcast. Write down whether the goal is the contemporary recording, a published programme release or a later production about the event. That decision determines which candidate records are relevant.
Keep identifiers from the appropriate system
For a published release, record the title, edition, distributor and date shown in the library record. For archival material, preserve the collection or item reference, creator and coverage dates where available. A broad collection description may require further work before a particular programme can be identified.
If an old Film, Video and Sound database bookmark says the content has moved into Collection Search, follow the current discovery route rather than repeatedly reusing the retired form. Keep the original bookmark in a research log only to explain where the lead came from. Do not use it as evidence that an item has disappeared from the institution.
Resolve viewing before planning use
Once a candidate is identified, inspect the access conditions and copying information attached to that record. LAC's published guidance separates discovery, viewing and reproduction routes. A record may describe preserved material without offering a public stream.
For a reusable brief, list the desired broadcast, why the candidate matches, the reference number and the access question still to be answered. If only a later published programme can be found, state that limitation rather than labelling it contemporary coverage.
For the historical-event project, the final source list should separate contemporary coverage from later interpretation. Put the published documentary in one entry and the original broadcast candidate in another, each with its own date and identifier. A reader can then see whether the research recovered the period’s television record or only a later account of it.
Questions about this guide
When is Aurora the useful starting point?
LAC identifies it for published audiovisual holdings, including commercially distributed television releases.
Is a later documentary the original broadcast record?
No. It may be a useful source, but label its production date and form accurately.