Call for Submissions: SAA 90th Anniversary Zine (2026)

CHICAGO—In 2026, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) turns 90 years old—and we’re marking the occasion with a community‑created anniversary zine celebrating the people, practices, memories, and futures of archival work.

We’re seeking submissions from archivists, archival workers, students, educators, community memory‑keepers, and anyone connected to archives. Whether you’re a long‑time SAA member or brand new to the field, we want your voice in this collective celebration. 

Theme: "90 Years of Archives"

What does archival work look like, feel like, or mean to you? How has SAA shaped your experience, profession, or network? We welcome reflections on the past, celebrations of the present, and visions for the next 90 years. 

Your submission can be serious, humorous, critical, experimental, or heartfelt. Zines embrace all forms of creative and documentary expression. 

Some questions to consider are:

• What moments—big or small—captured the essence of your archival life?
• How has SAA supported, challenged, or inspired you? 
• What does archival labor look like behind the scenes?
• What community, identity, or movement has shaped your archival practice?
• What do you imagine for archives in 2116? 
• What deserves celebration in our profession right now?

What You Can Submit

We welcome (and encourage!) a wide range of formats, including:

• Short essays or reflections
• Artwork, comics, sketches, diagrams, or collages
• Poetry or creative writing
• Photographs of archival spaces, tools, or community moments
• Anecdotes or oral history-style vignettes
• Archival ephemera reimagined or remixed
• Mini‑case studies or “from the stacks” stories
• Visions of the future of archives or SAA

For written pieces, please submit no more than 600 words—we want to include as many submissions as possible. 

Submission Details

• Deadline: May 29
• Format: PDF, JPG/PNG (300 dpi preferred), or Word/Google Doc
• Length: One to two zine pages (flexible for visual works)
• Email submissions to: publications@archivists.org
• Include: Your name (as you’d like it printed), affiliation (optional), and a brief bio (25–50 words)

Please be sure to observe the SAA Code of Conduct in your work. Additionally, do not submit AI-generated works.  

All SAA members, non‑members, students, community archivists, independent practitioners, memory workers, and allied professionals are welcome.

This zine will be published digitally and in a limited‑run print edition for SAA’s 90th Anniversary year. Contributors will receive a digital and print copy and acknowledgment in the publication.  

Join Us in Celebrating 90 Years of Archival Community

Zines thrive when many voices come together. Help us share stories, spark conversations, and mark this milestone in SAA’s history with creativity and care.

Questions? Reach out at publications@archivists.org. We can’t wait to see what you create.