Archival Futures Series

BETHANY ANDERSON and AMY COOPER CARY, EDITORS

Archival Futures is a new series, published jointly by the Society of American Archivists and the American Library Association, that critically engages issues related to archives as—and for—the public good. This series explores professional values and current innovations in archival and library practice, while engaging in provocative discussion about the significance of archival work to the general public. Topics might include archives and anthropology; archives and citizenship; archives and critical race theory; archives and the right to be forgotten; archives and social media; or archives and civic data, to name a few. 

Have an idea for a book? We are seeking proposals for volumes of 20,000 to 50,000 words, that demonstrate innovative thinking, cut across cultural and professional boundaries, and stimulate discussion about archives as institutions and sustaining forces in modern society. These extended essays will broadly address areas at the intersection of archives, society, and technology. Submit a proposal.

For more information about the series, or to discuss a potential proposal, please contact series editors BETHANY ANDERSON (bgandrsn@gmail.com) and AMY COOPER CARY (amy.cary@marquette.edu).

First book in Archival Futures series: 

The safeguarding of authentic facts is essential, especially in this disruptive Orwellian age, where digital technologies have opened the door to a post-truth world in which “alternative facts” can be so easily accepted as valid. And because facts matter, archives matter. In this urgent manifesto, Laura Millar makes the case that authentic and accurate evidence is crucial in supporting and fostering a society that is respectful, democratic, and self-aware. An eye-opening treatise for the general public, an invaluable resource for archives students, and a provocative call-to-arms for working professionals, Millar’s book:

• explains the concept of evidence and discusses the ways in which records, archives, and data are not just useful tools for our daily existence but also essential sources of evidence both today and in the future;
• includes plentiful examples that illustrate the critical role evidence plays in upholding rights, enforcing responsibilities, tracing family or community stories, and capturing and sharing memories; and
• examines the impact of digital technologies on how records and information are created and used.

With documentary examples ranging from Mesopotamian clay tablets to World War II photographs to today’s Twitter messages and Facebook posts, Millar’s stirring book will encourage readers to understand more fully the importance of their own records and archives, for themselves and for future generations.

About the author: Laura A. Millar is an independent consultant in records, archives, and information management and in publishing and distance education. She has consulted with governments, nonprofit organizations, and other agencies around the world. She is the author of dozens of publications, including Archives: Principles and Practices, for which she has received the Society of American Archivists' 2011 Waldo Gifford Leland Award. She has taught records and archives management in universities in Canada and internationally. She lives with her husband in Roberts Creek, British Columbia, Canada. 

Click here to order A Matter of Facts