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Provincial Archaeological Report Library (PARL)

Last updated on April 22, 2024

The Provincial Archaeological Report Library (PARL) is an online library containing electronic copies of archaeological permit reports. 

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Who is eligible to use PARL?

The primary purpose of the Provincial Archaeological Report Library (PARL) is to serve high-volume, repeat clients who require archaeological report information for land use planning or archaeological studies.  

Authorized users may include archaeological consultants, First Nations, accredited academic researchers, and federal or provincial resource and land use planning agencies. It is not available to the general public.

For more information, please see our Archaeological Information Access Policy (PDF 274 KB).

What if I am not eligible but need to access a report?

Individuals who require archaeological information but who are ineligible for PARL access may submit an Archaeological Information Request Form to the Archaeology Branch.

What kind of data is available in PARL?

The reports in the library contain scientific and technical information specific to the field of archaeology, so although all authorized users can search, view, download and order archaeological reports through PARL, non-archaeologists should seek professional archaeological assistance interpreting report contents prior to making land use and resource decisions. 

To make finding the right report easy for everyone, both quick and advanced keyword searches are available, and library users can search the complete text of all reports in the library (including title, body, and appendices) by:

  • Permit number
  • Permit type
  • Map sheet
  • Title
  • Abstract
  • Author
  • Borden number

Does PARL data have any limitations?

The online library only contains permit reports for which a copyright license has been granted, plus permit reports where the B.C. government already owns copyright. 

To obtain permission, the Archaeology Branch contacts copyright owners of permit reports to request a license that will allow the inclusion of their reports in our online library. 

Non-permit reports are not currently included in the library, but may be added in the future. 

For more information, see Archaeology Bulletin 3 (Heritage Conservation Act Permits, Personal Information, and Permit Report Copyright).

How can I apply for access to PARL?

To obtain access to PARL, you will have to submit a signed form to the Archaeology Branch. 

The Request System Access page contains the latest form, and will help you apply for the access you need.

Troubleshoot PARL issues

For technical assistance, to report viewing and download issues, or to provide feedback about the PARL website, please email the staff at The King's Printer (formerly Queen's Printer), Electronic Publishing via archaeology-support@qp.gov.bc.ca.  

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Access Issues 

 

I used to be able to access PARL, but can't anymore.

Due to a security-related data migration mandated by our Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, on February 5, 2020, the Provincial Archaeological Report Library (PARL) was moved to a new URL and login security was upgraded to require either a Business BCeID or a government IDIR credential.  

  • If you submitted an Archaeological Information Sharing Agreement to the branch between January 28, 2019 and February 5, 2020, and access was approved, your access to PARL has been carried over. Please check the inbox of the email address you listed on your previously-submitted AISA for new login credentials, or contact archdatarequest@gov.bc.ca to have them re-sent. 
     
  • If your on-file agreement predates January 28, 2019 or your BCeID has changed, you will have to request access from us again. Upon approval, you will be provided with login instructions.
     
  • If you have switched companies or discontinued your former work email address, you will have to contact your company's BCeID administrator or the BCeID helpdesk to create a new Business BCeID and then request access from us again.

For IDIRs, the same applies only in the rare case that you have had to change your IDIR username or email address (not just your password).

Use Issues 

 

I'm in PARL and have found the report I need, but can't open / view / download it.

Please email the staff at King's Printer, Electronic Publishing via archaeology-support@qp.gov.bc.ca with the report number and a description of what is happening. Please let them know what internet browser you are using.

 

I can't find the report I'm looking for OR a report has referenced additional materials that are not in PARL.

There may be supplemental materials or reports on file with the branch that have not been approved for inclusion in PARL. Please contact archaeology@gov.bc.ca to ask if we have them and are able to release them to you. 

 

Contact information

Contact us if you have questions about archaeological sites in B.C.

Office
250-953-3334
Email
Archaeology@gov.bc.ca
Mailing
Archaeology Branch
PO Box 9816
Stn Prov Govt
Victoria, BC
V8W 9W3
Address
(By appointment)
Archaeology Branch
2975 Jutland Street
Victoria, B.C.