American Archivist Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Since 1937, the American Archivist has provided a forum in print for discussion of trends and issues in archival theory and practice. With more than 5,800 readers, The American Archivist has the largest circulation of any English-language archives journal.

Beginning in February 2008, the journal will be published both in print and online. Publishing online is just one of the ways in which the journal continues to improve, in addition to offering a mix of award-winning research articles, case studies, and perspectives; exceptional book reviews; and special issues, such as the recently published final report of the Archival Census and Education Needs Survey.

  1. Is the online version the same as the printed version?
  2. Does the online subscription require any software, such as Adobe PDF Reader?
  3. Is the online version published before the print version is mailed?
  4. Is content hosted on SAA’s website or by a third party?
  5. Who do I contact for technical questions about – or trouble-shooting for – American Archivist Online?
  6. How do I access American Archivist Online?
  7. What should I do if the members-only access link doesn't work?
  8. Do subscribers get access to all back files? (How far back does online access go?)
  9. What are the current annual subscription rates?
  10. What if I don't receive my copy of the print edition?



  1. Is the online version the same as the printed version?

    Yes, the content in American Archivist Online is identical to that in the printed version.

  2. Does the online subscription require any software, such as Adobe PDF Reader?

    All content from the American Archivist will be delivered online as PDF files with embedded searchable text. This will require the latest version of Adobe Reader, which can be downloaded for free at www.adobe.com.

  3. Is the online version published before the print version is mailed?

    The online version and the published version are produced simultaneously. The online version will probably be available slightly ahead of the print version simply because it will take less time to post the journal files electronically than it will to manufacture the print version and then dispatch it via third-class mail.

  4. Is content hosted on SAA’s website or by a third party?

    The electronic content will be hosted by a third party—MetaPress—a commercial organization that currently hosts 3,500 journals from approximately 100 different publishers.

  5. Who do I contact for questions about – or troubleshooting for – American Archivist Online?

    For questions regarding your subscription or membership status, please contact SAA staff.

    For technical support questions regarding American Archivist Online, please contact MetaPress via email at support@metapress.com or by phone at 205/981-4007.

  6. How do I access American Archivist Online?

    Individual members may access the journal by logging into the “members only” page.

    Access for individual paid subscribers is supported via individual registration with Metapress and activation of the registered MetaPress ID.

    Access for all institutional subscribers (including institutional members) is supported via registration with Metapress and activation of the institution's MetaPress ID. Institutions may provide their IP address range(s) in order to enable access for any user connected to the Internet via the institution's computer network.

  7. What should I do if the members-only access link doesn't work?

    The link on the “members only” page authorizes access to restricted content by passing “referrer” information to the MetaPress site. You will know that access has been granted when you see the text, “Recognized as Society of American Archivists Member” in the left-hand column of the American Archivist Online pages. Certain personal security programs block the passing of this referrer information, which may obstruct your access privileges.

    If you use Norton Internet Security or Norton Personal Firewall, please see the Symantec website for instructions on how to create a rule to allow referrer information to pass to the American Archivist Online pages. (Note: In Step 4, enter “archivists.metapress.com” as the name of the site.

    If you use Zone Alarm, please click here for further information.

    Try clearing your cache if you continue to have problems accessing your account.

    1. Close all windows (browsers) – Your PC could be reading stored pages. We have to clear your temporary files and cookies.
    2. To clear cache (temp. files) you may:
    3. Go to your Control Panel
    4. Click Internet Options
    5. You’ll see in the middle of the page ‘Temporary Internet Files’
    6. Click ‘Delete Files’ – this will not delete any needed files, temp files are the files which are downloaded when you are viewing the internet they are ‘temp’.
    7. Click on OK to exit.
    8. Go directly to http://saa.archivists.org/Scripts/4Disapi.dll/
    4DCGI/members/index.html

    9. Enter your SAA member login and password
    10. You should be recognized “Welcome Your name!” You are now logged in.
    11. Click on the Members Only link on the left hand side
    12. Next select Access American Archivist Online
    12. It should open your window (http://archivists.metapress.com) for SAA - Welcome to American Archivist Online! and you will notice on the left hand side you should be recognized as the ‘Society of American Archivists Member (490-49-684)'.
    13. You should then have green access blocks beside each articles and full text PDF.

  8. Do subscribers get access to all back files? (How far back does online access go?)

    Access to American Archivist Online is limited to SAA members and journal subscribers for a period of three years, at which time it becomes publicly available at no cost. Non-subscribers who wish to print an article may do so for a small fee ($18 per article).

    Initially the Fall/Winter 2000 issue (volume 63, number 2) forward will be available. Paper-only volumes of the journal (i.e., those from volume 1 through volume 63, number 2) will be converted to digital form in several phases over the next few years.

  9. What are the current annual subscription rates?

    Please see the subscription information page.

  10. What if I don't receive my copy of the print edition?

    Claims for issues not received must be submitted to SAA headquarters within six months of issue publication date.

    Contact servicecenter [at] archivists [dot] org.