SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology

SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology is a comprehensive dictionary published by the Society of American Archivists that provides definitions for terms related to archives, records management, and information management. The glossary is an essential resource for professionals working in libraries, museums, and archives, including those at the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress. It is also useful for students and researchers in the fields of archival science, information science, and library science, such as those at the University of Michigan School of Information and the University of Texas at Austin School of Information.

Overview and Purpose

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology is designed to provide a standardized vocabulary for archivists, records managers, and other information professionals, including those working at the National Archives of Australia and the British Library. The glossary includes definitions for terms related to the acquisition, appraisal, and processing of archival materials, as well as terms related to records management and information technology, such as those used by the International Organization for Standardization and the World Wide Web Consortium. The purpose of the glossary is to promote consistency and clarity in the use of archival and records terminology, facilitating communication and collaboration among professionals in the field, including those at the Archives Nationales de France and the Bibliothèque nationale de France.

History and Development

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology was first published in 2005 by the Society of American Archivists, with the support of the National Historical Publications and Records Commission and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The glossary was developed by a team of archivists and records managers, including experts from the National Archives and Records Administration and the Library of Congress, as well as from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The development of the glossary was influenced by earlier publications, such as the Dictionary of Archival Terminology published by the International Council on Archives and the Glossary of Records Management Terms published by the Association of Records Managers and Administrators.

Content and Structure

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology includes over 2,000 definitions for terms related to archives, records management, and information management, including terms used by the European Commission and the United Nations. The glossary is organized alphabetically, with each entry including a definition, as well as references to related terms and sources, such as the Journal of Archival Organization and the American Archivist. The glossary also includes a list of abbreviations and acronyms, as well as a bibliography of sources used in the development of the glossary, including works by Terry Cook and Luciana Duranti.

Usage and Applications

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology is widely used by archivists, records managers, and other information professionals, including those working at the National Library of Australia and the Canadian Archives. The glossary is used as a reference tool in the development of records management policies and archival procedures, such as those used by the United States Department of State and the European Central Bank. It is also used as a teaching tool in archival education programs, such as those offered by the University of British Columbia and the University of Pittsburgh.

Editions and Updates

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology is regularly updated to reflect changes in the field of archival science and records management, including the adoption of new standards and best practices by organizations such as the International Organization for Standardization and the World Wide Web Consortium. The glossary is available in both print and online formats, with the online version being updated more frequently, and is used by institutions such as the Bodleian Library and the New York Public Library. The online version of the glossary is hosted by the Society of American Archivists and is available to members and non-members alike, including those at the Australian National University and the University of Toronto.

Related Publications and Resources

The SAA Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology is one of several publications and resources available to archivists and records managers, including the Archives and Museum Informatics journal and the Records Management Journal. Other related publications include the Dictionary of Archival Terminology published by the International Council on Archives and the Glossary of Records Management Terms published by the Association of Records Managers and Administrators. The glossary is also related to other resources, such as the Archival Metrics toolkit developed by the Society of American Archivists and the Records Management Self-Assessment Tool developed by the National Archives and Records Administration, and is used by institutions such as the Library and Archives Canada and the National Library of China. Category:Archival science