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Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018

This is a past version  that has now been superseded. See the current SAA Strategic Plan.

 

Strategic Plan 2013 – 2018
Vision, Mission, Values, Goals, and Strategies
As Adopted by the SAA Council, May 16, 2013

VISION : The Society of American Archivists enables archivists to achieve professional excellence and foster innovation to ensure the identification, preservation, and use of records of enduring value.

MISSION : SAA promotes the value and diversity of archives and archivists. We are the preeminent source of professional resources and the principal communication hub for American archivists.

CORE ORGANIZATIONAL VALUES:
The Society of American Archivists is committed to:

  • Advancing the public standing of archivists.
  • Ensuring the diversity of its membership and leaders, the profession, and the archival record.
  • Fostering a culture of creativity and experimentation across the association.
  • Providing an open, inclusive, and collaborative environment.
  • Providing excellent member service.
  • Social responsibility and the public good.
  • Transparency, accountability, integrity, and professionalism in conducting its activities.

The following Goals and Strategies represent areas of focus for the next three to five years. The Goals articulate the outcomes that SAA would like to achieve and answer the question, “What will constitute future success?” The Goals are not necessarily identified in priority order, but are numbered to enable easy reference.

GOAL 1: ADVOCATING FOR ARCHIVISTS AND ARCHIVES

Society values the vital role of archivists and archives.

GOAL 2: ENHANCING PROFESSIONAL GROWTH

Archivists have access to the professional resources they need to be successful and effective in their careers.

GOAL 3: ADVANCING THE FIELD

Professional knowledge expands to keep pace with an increasingly diverse archival record.

GOAL 4: MEETING MEMBERS’ NEEDS

SAA is an agile association that delivers outstanding service and fosters a culture of inclusiveness and participation.

SAA will

1.1. Provide leadership in promoting the value of archives and archivists to institutions, communities, and society.

1.2. Educate and influence decision makers about the importance of archives and archivists.

1.3. Provide leadership in ensuring the completeness, diversity, and accessibility of the historical record.

1.4. Strengthen the ability of those who manage and use archival material to articulate the value of archives.

SAA will

2.1. Provide content, via education and publications, that reflects the latest thinking and best practices in the field.

2.2. Deliver information and education via methods that are accessible, affordable, and keep pace with technological change.

2.3. Support the career development of members to assist them in achieving their goals.

SAA will

3.1. Identify the need for new standards, guidelines, and best practices and lead or participate in their development.

3.2. Foster and disseminate research in and about the field.

3.3. Participate actively in relevant partnerships and collaborations to enhance professional knowledge.

SAA will

4.1. Facilitate effective communication with and among members.

4.2. Create opportunities for members to participate fully in the association.

4.3. Continue to enrich the association and the profession with greater diversity in membership and expanded leadership opportunities.

 

Also available as a printable PDF.

Updated: 2022-04-13