American Archivist

American Archivist is a quarterly peer-reviewed journal published by the Society of American Archivists, with contributions from renowned archivists such as Terry Cook, Verne Harris, and Elizabeth Yakel. The journal has been in publication since 1938, with early issues featuring articles by prominent archivists like Dorothy Doe and Philip Brooks. Over the years, it has covered a wide range of topics related to archival science, including digital preservation and records management, with insights from experts like Margaret Hedstrom and David Bearman. The journal has also explored the intersection of archives with other fields, such as library science and museum studies, as discussed by Allan Bell and Richard Pearce-Moses.

History

The American Archivist has a rich history, with its first issue published in 1938 under the editorship of Philip Brooks, who later became the Archivist of the United States. The journal was initially published by the National Archives and Records Administration and later by the Society of American Archivists, with support from organizations like the Council of State Archivists and the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators. Throughout its history, the journal has featured articles by prominent archivists, including Helen Samuels, Richard Cox, and Frank Boles, who have written about topics such as archival appraisal, collection development, and digital curation. The journal has also published special issues on topics like archival education and professional development, with contributions from experts like Luciana Duranti and Terry Eastwood.

Content and scope

The American Archivist publishes articles on a wide range of topics related to archival science, including archival theory, records management, and digital preservation. The journal also features case studies, reviews, and opinion pieces, with authors like Randall Jimerson, Francis Blouin, and Sharon Leon discussing topics such as archival description, metadata standards, and digital repositories. The journal's scope includes the work of archivists in various settings, including academic libraries, special libraries, and government archives, as well as the role of archives in social justice and community engagement, as explored by Michelle Caswell and Marika Cifor. The journal has also covered the intersection of archives with other fields, such as library science, museum studies, and information technology, with insights from experts like Clifford Lynch and Michael Buckland.

Editorial process

The American Archivist is a peer-reviewed journal, with a rigorous editorial process that involves review by experts in the field, including Society of American Archivists members like Kathleen Roe and Mark Greene. The journal's editorial board includes prominent archivists like Terry Cook, Verne Harris, and Elizabeth Yakel, who oversee the review process and ensure the quality of published articles. The journal also has a strong focus on editorial ethics and publication integrity, with guidelines developed in consultation with organizations like the Committee on Publication Ethics and the International Council on Archives. The editorial process involves multiple stages, including submission, review, and revision, with authors like Randall Jimerson and Francis Blouin working closely with the editorial team to ensure the accuracy and relevance of published content.

Impact and recognition

The American Archivist has had a significant impact on the field of archival science, with articles and authors influencing the development of archival theory and practice. The journal has been recognized for its excellence, with awards from organizations like the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association. The journal's authors have also received recognition for their contributions, including the Society of American Archivists' Fellow of the Society of American Archivists award, which has been awarded to prominent archivists like Terry Cook and Verne Harris. The journal's impact extends beyond the archival community, with articles and authors influencing the development of related fields like library science and information technology, as discussed by Clifford Lynch and Michael Buckland.

Related publications

The American Archivist is one of several publications related to archival science, including the Journal of Archival Organization and the Archival Science journal. The journal is also related to publications from other fields, such as Library and Information Science Research and the Journal of Library Administration. The American Archivist has also been compared to other journals in the field, including the Archives and Records journal and the Journal of Contemporary Archival Studies. The journal's authors have also published in other notable journals, such as the Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology and the Information Technology and Libraries journal, with contributions from experts like Sharon Leon and Michelle Caswell. The journal is also indexed in major databases, including Scopus and Web of Science, and is available online through platforms like JSTOR and EBSCOhost. Category:Archival science journals