The Master of Archival Studies program in the School of Library, Archival and Information Studies has been awarded the 1998 Distinguished Service Award from the Society of American Archivists.

The society recognized the program for its outstanding service and exemplary contribution to the profession calling it a model to which graduate professional programs might aspire.

John McDonald, head of the division of government records at the National Archives of Canada, nominated the program for the award, which has not been given since 1996.

"This world-class program, which is the only graduate degree program for archives in North America, has a well-earned national and international reputation as one of the leading archival education programs in the world," said McDonald. "The UBC program has been the beacon to which both developed and emerging archival education programs have turned for guidance, leadership and vision."