Australian Society of Archivists

Australian Society of Archivists. The Australian Society of Archivists is a professional organization for archivists and records managers in Australia, with members from institutions such as the National Archives of Australia, State Library of New South Wales, and National Library of Australia. The society was established in 1975, with the aim of promoting the preservation and accessibility of historical records and cultural heritage in Australia, in collaboration with organizations like the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies and the Australian War Memorial. The society's members work in a range of institutions, including the University of Melbourne Archives, Monash University Library, and the State Records Authority of New South Wales.

History

The Australian Society of Archivists has a long history of promoting the preservation and accessibility of historical records in Australia, dating back to its establishment in 1975, with founding members including Glenn R. Cooke and Peter J. Tyler. The society has worked closely with institutions such as the National Museum of Australia, Australian National University Archives, and the State Library of Victoria to promote the importance of archival preservation and records management. The society has also been involved in the development of archival standards and best practices in Australia, in collaboration with organizations like the International Council on Archives and the Society of American Archivists. Key events in the society's history include the 1988 Australian Bicentenary, which highlighted the importance of preserving Australian history and cultural heritage, and the establishment of the Australian Archives in 1975, which later became the National Archives of Australia.

Governance and structure

The Australian Society of Archivists is governed by a Council, which includes representatives from institutions such as the University of Sydney Archives, Australian Catholic University Library, and the National Film and Sound Archive. The society is divided into branches, which cover different regions of Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia. The society also has a number of special interest groups, which focus on specific areas of archival practice, such as digital preservation and records management, in collaboration with organizations like the Digital Preservation Coalition and the International Organization for Standardization. The society's Annual General Meeting is held in conjunction with the Australian Society of Archivists Conference, which features presentations from experts in the field, including Hilary Jenkinson and Terry Cook.

Activities and programs

The Australian Society of Archivists offers a range of activities and programs for its members, including workshops and training sessions on topics such as archival description and digitization, in collaboration with institutions like the National Gallery of Australia and the Australian Institute of Conservation. The society also offers mentoring programs and career development opportunities for emerging professionals in the field, in partnership with organizations like the Australian Library and Information Association and the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia. The society's annual conference features presentations from experts in the field, including Verne Harris and Joan Schwartz, and provides opportunities for networking and professional development. The society also participates in International Archives Day, which is celebrated on June 9 each year, in collaboration with organizations like the International Council on Archives and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

Publications

The Australian Society of Archivists publishes a range of materials, including the Australian Society of Archivists Journal, which features articles on topics such as archival theory and records management practice, written by experts like Eric Ketelaar and Anne Gilliland. The society also publishes guidelines and standards for archival practice in Australia, in collaboration with organizations like the National Archives of Australia and the State Records Authority of New South Wales. The society's newsletter provides updates on news and events in the field, including the Australian Archives and the National Library of Australia. The society also publishes monographs and edited collections on topics related to archival studies and records management, in partnership with publishers like the Australian Scholarly Publishing and the Ashgate Publishing.

Advocacy and professional standards

The Australian Society of Archivists advocates for the importance of archival preservation and records management in Australia, in collaboration with organizations like the International Council on Archives and the Society of American Archivists. The society promotes professional standards for archivists and records managers, and provides guidance on topics such as digital preservation and access to information, in partnership with institutions like the National Archives of Australia and the Australian Information Commissioner. The society also participates in policy development and lobbying efforts to promote the interests of archivists and records managers in Australia, in collaboration with organizations like the Australian Library and Information Association and the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia. Key initiatives include the Australian Government's National Cultural Policy and the Council of Australian University Librarians' Australian Repository Infrastructure.

Affiliations and recognition

The Australian Society of Archivists is affiliated with a range of organizations, including the International Council on Archives, the Society of American Archivists, and the Archives and Records Association. The society is also recognized by the Australian Government as a peak body for archivists and records managers in Australia, and works closely with institutions like the National Archives of Australia and the State Records Authority of New South Wales. The society's members are eligible for certification as professional archivists or records managers, and the society offers a range of awards and scholarships to recognize excellence in the field, including the Mander Jones Award and the Australian Society of Archivists Award. The society is also a member of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Category:Archival organizations