Adopted by the Council: January 2012
Revised: July 2013
The A*CENSUS II Working Group was created by the SAA Council in December 2020 to work with SAA’s survey research consultants (Ithaka S+R) to design, field, and report out on the second iteration of Archival Census and Education Needs Survey in the United States (A*CENSUS). The survey project, conducted from September 2020 to February 2023, is being funded by a National Leadership Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
The Working Group is responsible for 1) reviewing and discussing previous survey instruments and findings to determine what information should be captured to enable longitudinal analyses, 2) identifying new areas of interest for incorporation into the survey, 3) developing thematic areas of interest for a new survey of archival institutions, and 4) assisting in identification of groups and institutions that should be invited to participate in the survey.
I. Purpose
The Joint Working Group coordinates efforts and initiatives of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA), the National Association of Government Archives and Records Administrators (NAGARA), the Regional Archival Associations Consortium (RAAC), and the Society of American Archivists (SAA) in areas of common concern and action, including: 1) coordinating action to address public policy and legislative concerns for the archives and records management profession, 2) cooperating on efforts to raise awareness of the value of archives and records management, and 3) coordinating strategies for the preservation of and access to archival records throughout the United States, its territories, and the District of Columbia.
II. Size, Composition, Selection, and Length of Terms
The Joint Working Group consists of eight voting members. Each organization selects two members to serve on the Joint Working Group for a renewable two-year staggered term after each organization’s annual meeting.
The Joint Working Group shall select its chair or shared method of leadership annually by a majority vote. The chair selection will be reviewed and confirmed by the President/Chair of each organization.
A second group of ex-officio non-voting members, not to exceed four people, may be added to the Joint Working Group by majority vote of the Joint Working Group for a one-year renewable term. These members shall either:
III. Reporting
Joint Working Group members are responsible for reporting to their leadership group according to the standards of each organization.
Guidelines and procedures for reviewing and providing a streamlined approval process among the four organizations shall be developed by the Working Group and shall be approved by the boards of the four organizations prior to implementation.
IV. Duties and Responsibilities
The Joint Working Group creates an annual work plan that identifies tactics, communication with respective boards, and development of broad networks of allied organizations. The plan is approved annually by the boards of the four organizations.
The Joint Working Group focuses on issues, trends, and positions in the following areas:
V. Meetings
The Joint Working Group determines an appropriate meeting schedule to complete its annual plan. Funding for conference calls is supported equally by the four organizations. Other funding for in-person meetings or products and initiatives of the Joint Working Group is determined collaboratively by the leaders of the four organizations.
VI. Staffing
The organizations with permanent staff shall provide, on a rotating annual basis, support to conduct meetings, coordinate note taking, and assist in program implementation.
Approved by the SAA Council, October 2014. Revisions approved by the sponsoring organizations and the Joint Working Group, October 13, 2020.
Purpose
The Crisis, Disaster, and Tragedy Response Working Group was created in 2020.
The purpose of the Working Group is to maintain and update SAA’s Documenting in Times of Crisis: A Resource Kit; develop and provide immediate and ongoing resources and response assistance to archivists, allied cultural heritage professionals, and their communities in times of tragedies, disasters, or other crises; and build partnerships with organizations focused on relief efforts and cultural stewardship and preservation.
Working Group Size, Selection, and Length of Term
The Working Group consists of nine members, including two co-chairs. At least one member of the Working Group shall be an international representative (that is, an individual who lives and works outside of the United States). Working Group members serve staggered three-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. The Vice President, on behalf of the Council and with the recommendation of the Working Group, makes new appointments and appoints the co-chairs.
Duties and Responsibilities
The Working Group has the following duties and responsibilities:
Reporting
The Working Group works closely with its Council liaison, staff liaison, and the executive director to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of archivists, allied cultural heritage professionals, and their communities. In certain cases, when time is of the essence, the Working Group communicates directly with the SAA Executive Committee. The Working Group reports to the Council annually and u pon request.
Approved by the SAA Council, August 2020.
Disbanded with thanks by the SAA Council, November 2018.
The Cultural Heritage Working Group will take the lead in fostering discussion, clarifying issues, and investigating a range of alternative approaches to managing, preserving, and providing access to cultural property, given the T and responsibilities of cultural groups and stakeholders and archivists' interest in providing equal and open access to all. This group will
The group will submit a work plan with specific activities, outcomes, and timelines for the Council's review and approval at its May 2010 meeting.
The establishment of the Cultural Heritage Working Group represents the beginning of SAA's attempts to open a professional, national, and international discussion regarding the presence of cultural material in repositories. Some challenges in establishing the best practices for the culturally responsive care and use of Native American archival materials are illustrated in a specific discussion of Protocols for Native American Archival Materials. This Working Group broadens the discussion to include other repositories, professions, and cultures that face similar challenges when establishing best practices.
Adopted by the SAA Council: August 10, 2009
Revised: January 2013
Disbanded: November 2018.
The Dictionary Working Group maintains and updates Dictionary of Archives Terminology, which has its basis in A Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology (SAA, 2005).
I. Purpose:
The Working Group's purpose is to establish and maintain mechanisms and procedures for allowing periodic updates and contributions of new content to the Dictionary and to ensure that this important resource adheres to the highest quality professional standards.
II. Working Group Selection, Size, and Length of Term
The Working Group consists of nine members, including one representative from the Publications Board. Working Group members serve staggered four-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. The Vice President, on behalf of the Council and with the recommendation of the Working Group, makes new appointments and appoints the chair.
III. Duties and Responsibilities:
The Working Group has the following duties and responsibilities:
IV. Reporting:
The Working Group reports to the Council annually and upon request.
Adopted by the SAA Council: August 22, 2011
Revised: August 2012, January 2014
The Working Group on Intellectual Property was created as a working group of the Council in May 2001. Intellectual property issues are complex and require a special expertise. They often require a very quick response, such as when SAA is asked to join litigation or respond to draft legislation. The Working Group's purpose is to make sure that timely expertise is readily available to the Council. The Working Group responds to requests for assistance from the Council, tracks intellectual property issues of concern to archivists, and drafts for Council approval responses or position papers as needed.
Working Group Size, Selection and Length of Term:
There is no fixed size to the Working Group. In response to requests from the Working Group, the Council adjusts membership according to the availability of expertise and the anticipated workload of the group. The Vice President, on behalf of the Council and with the recommendation of the Working Group, makes new appointments. There is no prohibition against a member of the Council serving on the Working Group.
In recognition that the type of expertise needed on the Working Group is in short supply in the Society, there is no set length of term for participation; members serve at the pleasure of the Council.
Duties and Responsibilities:
The Working Group has the following duties and responsibilities:
Reporting:
The Working Group works closely with its Council Liaison and the Executive Director in order to ensure that it is responsive to the needs of the Council. In certain cases, when time is of the essence, the Working Group communicates directly with the Executive Committee.
Adopted by the SAA Executive Committee: September 29, 2006
The Podcast Working Group produces and publishes one season annually of Archives in Context, an open-access podcast exploring significant conversations around archival practice in SAA, the profession, and beyond.
I. Purpose:
The Working Group's purpose is to host via podcast dynamic and professional conversations with archivists contributing to the archival literature, to SAA and the profession, and public access and awareness of archives.
II. Working Group Selection, Size, and Length of Term
The Working Group consists of ten members. Working Group members serve staggered two-year terms with the possibility of reappointment. The Vice President, or project coordinator, on behalf of the Council and with the recommendation of the Working Group, makes new appointments and appoints the chair.
III. Duties and Responsibilities:
The Working Group has the following duties and responsibilities:
IV. Reporting:
The Working Group reports to the Council annually and upon request.