Who We Are

Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists is North America's oldest and largest national professional association dedicated to the needs and interests of archives and archivists. SAA represents more than 6,200 professional archivists employed by governments, universities, businesses, libraries, and historical organizations nationally.

All of the work undertaken by SAA on behalf of its members and archives users is guided by the following vision, mission, and core values:

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

MISSION: SAA is a vital community that promotes the value and diversity of archives and archivists and serves as the preeminent resource for the profession.

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 an open and inclusive culture of creativity, collaboration, and experimentation across the association.
• Providing excellent member service.
• Ensuring transparency, accountability, integrity, professionalism, and social responsibility in conducting its activities.

The SAA Council develops, implements, and refines a Strategic Plan that articulates the outcomes that SAA would like to achieve on behalf of archives and archivists.

The SAA Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion guides and clarifies our work to ensure that our members, the holdings that archivists acquire and manage, and the users whom archivists serve reflect the evolving diversity of society. 

Search SAA's Council-approved position statements to learn more about key issues and the organization.

SAA's governance structure provides a framework for accomplishing its mission while serving the needs and interests of SAA members.

The SAA Foundation is the nation's leading source of nonprofit funding dedicated to the interests of archives and archivists. Donations to the SAA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, are tax deductible.

SAA is in search of excellence! The Society offers a variety of opportunities for professional recognition and financial assistance through its awards and scholarships (funded by the SAA Foundation).

Contact SAA
SAA's Service Center is available to answer your questions or direct your inquiry to the appropriate staff member in our hybrid office. You may reach staff by calling SAA headquarters at (312) 606-0722, use the contact form, or browse the staff directory. SAA is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Central time.