Resources

The SAA is one of the largest organizations for archivists and records managers. It produces two journals, a blog, and a host of resources and networking opportunities for members. Membership in the SAA will keep me in contact with the archival community in the United States and up to date on the state of the field as all archivists address the changing needs of our communities. The SAA will be a platform for connecting.

The ACA is a professional organization that provides guidelines, educational evaluations, and certification for archivists. ACA establishes the high watermark for professional achievement and offers programs of mentorship and membership opportunities. Membership in the ACA will provide a consistent basis from which to progress and enable me to advance a further course of study to achieve the title of Certified Archivist. Engagement with other members will provide network building with other dedicated, professional archivists.

The JCAS is an academic journal dedicated to current and relevant archival issues and interest areas published at Yale. Subscription, or more modern following, will connect me directly with the work of other archivists and scholars related to the field. Education is key to all areas of librarianship and staying present with materials in the JCAS will strengthen my knowledge and understanding of my field, my community, and my own place within both.

Archive Journal is a dynamic academic resource that steps past traditional journal formats to embrace three focused resource areas. The Roundtable of AJ is a published forum for specialists’ joint discussions in archives and special collections while Notes provide practical information selections. AJ will provide information and insight on active discussions of topics that affect archivists in diverse settings and provides insight into collaborative editing and publishing efforts outside of a central academic institution.

The AHA provides information for historians in diverse fields and across interest areas. Their Historians in Archives resources will be invaluable to dual focus persons like myself and assist me in thinking critically about my interests and goals as a historian and how those relate and connect to archival workspaces. This resource most directly addresses my career questions and concerns to maintain a historical centrality while engaging in meaningful, practical archival applications.

Reaching for the stars, the National Archives offers multiple blogs covering a range of interest areas for archivists, educators, and researchers. Through the NARA, I will be able to engage with broadperspectives and opinions to enlarge my worldview in and outside of the records rooms and collections. As well, the NARA offers incredible educational and professional development resources that will help me be a better archivist, educator, and activist.

The Smithsonian Institute blog, the Bigger Picture, is an insightful tool that takes archives out of the box and demonstrates the many ways that archives and special collections are actively engaged across institutional settings. This blog will introduce me to aspects of archivism and usages that are far removed from the academic ivory tower. This exposure will aid me in developing my skills and knowledge to incorporate new and revised techniques to my own work.

On Archivy is an open platform blog published outside of mainstream organizations that utilizes its voice to discuss topics related to the world of archives and digital information. This is beneficial because its less structured approach creates a passionate, but casual, place to converse with others related to the field. It also helps to understand the limits that exist for archivists outside of the mainstream.