April K. Anderson-Zorn, Candidate for Nominating Committee

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April K. Anderson-Zorn

Associate Professor & University Archivist

she/her

 

I believe in SAA, its membership, and what we can do as a community.

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BIOGRAPHICAL STATEMENT

I am an associate professor and university archivist for the Dr. Jo Ann Rayfield Archives at Illinois State University. I have been in this role for twelve years, arriving from Florida in 2011. During my years in Florida, I worked as an academic and freelance archivist. I am originally from Pensacola, Florida and earned my bachelor’s in history from the University of West Florida, my master’s in history from the University of Central Florida, and my MLIS from Florida State University. Because my repository is off campus, my research interests include collection access and outreach. I also focus on representation and identity in the profession, particularly concerning impostor phenomenon/syndrome.

I stay active in the profession by publishing articles, volunteering for service, and serving on SAA committees. Recent articles include topics on digitizing yearbooks, time capsules, Wikipedia entries for underrepresented archivists, and the prevalence of impostor phenomenon in the archival profession. I currently serve as the chair of the SAA College and University Archives Section (2022–2023) and as a District 5 Representative for the SAA Key Contacts Subcommittee. My service and authorship have introduced me to extraordinary colleagues who work for positive and lasting change in our profession.

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Each candidate prepared a diversity statement according to SAA guidelines.

I want to empower people. From my students to my colleagues, I know that this profession can be a powerful force for change when everyone is included. Many years ago, as a young professional in another field, I routinely witnessed the exclusion of qualified individuals based on their appearance, orientation, and beliefs. I was young, scared, and lacked the support and knowledge of how to fight injustice. As an older professional and archivist, I believe it is my personal and professional duty to support my students and colleagues in the equitable, diverse, and inclusive work they do in their communities.

I co-chaired our institution’s LGBT/Queer Studies and Services Institute with a colleague from 2018 to 2020. While working with the Institute, I grew our LGBTQI+ archival collections and brought greater awareness of these materials to the campus community. The Institute also offered a physical space for our campus Pride members to meet. I worked with our graduate assistant to ensure the space was safe and welcoming while making visitors aware of the academic and service resources available on campus. In 2020, my co-chair and I facilitated a merger of the Institute with a new campus-wide organization, the Queer Coalition, focused on service and activism. We are thrilled to see Institute members’ work continue in this new form and for the exciting projects and programs ahead.

I work hard to help all underrepresented students and colleagues, but in my allyship, I recognize my privilege and know I must continue to work to uncover hidden biases. I believe our profession must do the same. As a Nominating Committee member, I would seek archivists working to document underrepresented communities in unique and unconventional ways. I would also find colleagues fighting to bring equity, diversity, and inclusion to their institutions. We must nurture these voices and empower them so that they can preserve their community history and be a powerful force of change in our profession.

QUESTION POSED BY NOMINATING COMMITTEE

SAA depends on volunteers to lead the organization and guide activity in support of the strategic plan. Given the demands of our current social environment and need for work-life balance, what keeps you committed to SAA? Why should one volunteer?

CANDIDATE'S RESPONSE 

I think we can all say—we’re swamped. The demands on our professional and personal calendars continue to increase, and the universe continues to deny us extra hours in the day. Why should I volunteer the limited time I have available to SAA?

I believe in SAA, its membership, and what we can do as a community.

In my sixteen years as a member of SAA, I have made many meaningful and rewarding connections with fellow members at workshops, webinars, and the annual conference and on section and committees. These valued friendships have guided me through some tough professional (and a few personal) challenges. I continue to volunteer for SAA because I know my contributions help and are valued by my colleagues. Besides being the professional society for archivists in North America, SAA is a trusted source of support, information, and leadership for the profession. I gain personal satisfaction knowing I “did something” for a community I truly admire. I want to give back to my friends, colleagues, and an organization that has helped me in my career and help it do the same for others.

As a Nominating Committee member, I hope to find candidates who don’t necessarily fit into a prescribed box. I want to find members who challenge us to think bigger about our role in the profession, in our repositories, and in our communities. I also want to reach members who have not had an opportunity to serve on an SAA committee or in an elected role and want to participate in our process.

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