What's Happening?
The Society of American Archivists (SAA) has issued a call for program proposals for its ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2027 annual meeting, scheduled to take place from August 25-28, 2027, at the Sheraton Grand Chicago Riverwalk in Chicago, Illinois. The conference,
themed 'Archives and Archivists in the Here and Now,' aims to bring together archivists and allied professionals to discuss current practices, challenges, and future directions in the field. The Program Committee is seeking submissions for 60- or 75-minute sessions and poster presentations on various aspects of archives, records, and information management, including local, state, national, and international contexts. Proposals are due by December 15, 2026, and should address topics such as managing archival debt, preserving at-risk formats and electronic records, AI tools in archival work, and navigating financial austerity.
Why It's Important?
This call for proposals is crucial for the archival profession in the U.S. and globally, as it shapes the discourse and development of best practices in preserving historical and administrative records. The topics highlighted, such as electronic records and AI tools, reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities facing institutions like the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and other repositories. Effective management and preservation of these records are vital for maintaining government transparency, historical accuracy, and public access to information. The conference serves as a platform for professionals to share knowledge, develop solutions, and advocate for policies that ensure the long-term accessibility and integrity of records, which are fundamental to democratic accountability and historical research.
What's Next?
Archivists and allied professionals are encouraged to submit their proposals by the December 15, 2026 deadline. The Program Committee will evaluate submissions based on completeness, the strength of the abstract, and potential impact on the field. Following the selection process, the chosen sessions and presentations will form the core content of the ARCHIVES*RECORDS 2027 conference. The discussions and collaborations at this event are expected to influence future archival practices, technological adoption, and policy advocacy within the profession. The insights gained will be particularly relevant for institutions dealing with the complexities of digital preservation and the integration of new technologies like AI into their workflows.
Beyond the Headlines
The emphasis on topics like 'archival debt,' 'at-risk formats,' and 'AI tools' in the call for proposals points to a deeper, ongoing struggle within the archival community to keep pace with the rapid proliferation of digital information and technological advancements. This isn't just about storing old documents; it's about ensuring the authenticity, accessibility, and long-term viability of born-digital records, which are increasingly central to government operations, business, and personal lives. The ethical implications of AI in archival work, for instance, involve questions of bias in algorithms, data privacy, and the potential for automated systems to alter or misinterpret historical context. The conference will likely explore these complex issues, shaping the ethical guidelines and professional standards for archivists in an increasingly digital world.
