Archives and Archival Studies

"Through the promotion of fundamental standards of professional archival practice, the Academy of Certified Archivists leads in defining the knowledge and abilities necessary to be an archivist and achieve our mission by certifying archivists, ensuring professional archival standards, and promoting the employment of Certified Archivists." See especially the Certification page for answers to all of your questions on the archival certification process.

"Founded in 1906, the American Association of Museums (AAM) is dedicated to promoting excellence within the museum community through advocacy, professional education, information exchange, accreditation, and guidance on current professional standards of performance."

AIC is the professional membership organization for conservators. They publish the Journal of the American Institute for Conservation (JAIC), with an online index available for volumes 16-38 (1977-2005). The website also includes resources and links on disaster response and recovery, conservation training in the U.S., and more.

Established in 1955, ARMA International is a not-for-profit association and the leading authority on managing records and information-�paper and electronic. ARMA offers invaluable resources such as: Legislative and regulatory updates; Standards and best practices; Technology trends and applications; Live and Web-based education; Marketplace news and analysis; Books & videos on managing records and information. ARMA also publishes The Information Management Journal.

Established in 1975 and incorporated in 1978, the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA) has a four-fold focus: Providing leadership for everyone engaged in the preservation of Canada's Documentary Heritage; encouraging awareness of archival activities and developments and the importance of archives to modern society; advocating the interests and needs of professional archivists before government and other regulatory agencies; and communicating to further the understanding and cooperation amongst members of the Canadian archival system, and other information and culture based professions. ACA also publishes the prestigious journal Archivaria, as well as books and "occasional papers."

AMIA is a non-profit professional association established to advance the field of moving image archiving by fostering cooperation among individuals and organizations concerned with the acquisition, description, preservation, exhibition and use of moving image materials.

Formed in 1975, The Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) is "the peak professional body for archivists in Australia." The Society has published the journal Archives and Manuscripts since 1955. Website includes links to many papers from past ASA conferences.

"The Institute of Museum and Library Services is an independent federal grant-making agency dedicated to creating and sustaining a nation of learners by helping libraries and museums serve their communities." Site includes a useful information on resources and conferences.

NARA is an independent Federal agency that oversees the management of all Federal records. Their huge web site contains mountains of information useful to archives students. Use the Access to Archival Databases System to search NARA's 50 million+ electronic records holdings; use the Archival Research Catalog, the online catalog of NARA's nationwide holdings in the Washington, DC area, Regional Archives and Presidential Libraries. The Archives Library Information Center (ALIC) at the College Park facility has an extensive collection on archives and records management. The College Park facility's address is: Archives Library Information Center (NWCCA), Room 2380, 8601 Adelphi Road, College Park, MD 20740-6001.

"NAGARA is a professional organization dedicated to the effective use and management of government information." Their core purpose is "to promote the availability of our documentary legacy by improving the quality of records and information management at all levels of government." The Association publishes the newsletters Clearinghouse and Crossroads.

"Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists is North America's oldest and largest national archival professional association. SAA's mission is to serve the educational and informational needs of more than 5,000 individual and institutional members and to provide leadership to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of historical value." SAA publishes the journal American Archivist and the Archival Outlook Newsletter and offers many continuing education programs for archivists. See also the Directory of Archival Organizations to locate national and local archival groups in the U.S. and Canada.

The UK's Society of Archivists "exists to promote the care and preservation of archives and the better administration of archive repositories to advance the training of its members and to encourage relevant research and publication." They publish the Journal of the Society of Archivists, "a leading international journal in the field of archives, conservation and records management."