Scope and Content Monthly ACA Newsletter
March 2025, Volume 6, Issue 3 |
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Click here if you are having trouble reading the newsletter.
Scope and Content will be published April 3, 2025. If you have any comments or feedback, please contact the Communications Committee.
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In the January issue of Scope and Content, I communicated that the ACA sent a letter to the Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs, and the Honourable Patty Hadju, Minister of Indigenous Services Canada, requesting that the government increase funding to support research into missing children and unmarked burials associated with Indian Residential Schools. We cited many reasons this funding is necessary, including the fact that travelling to archives across the country to conduct research and digitize archival materials to make them accessible requires significant financial resources. To date we have not received a response to our letter. Now, according to a recent CBC news report, the Government of Canada has denied continued funding to support this research. In response to this recent development, the ACA and the Association des Archivistes du Québec (AAQ) have drafted another letter to the Government of Canada expressing our concerns about the reports of cuts in funding. A copy of this letter will be made available on the Advocacy page of the ACA website in the coming weeks. Many thanks to our sister organization in Québec for adding your voice in support of this cause. Turning to events south of the border, the Society of American Archivists recently made a statement about the dismissal of the Archivist of the United States (AOTUS), Colleen Shogun. They expressed their support of the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) and urged their members to voice their concerns over an action that “does harm to (their) nation and its people.” Following the release of this statement, I reached out to the President of the SAA Council to express my support for their organization and to see what, if any, assistance the ACA can provide. All of these events happening at home and abroad highlight the need for the ACA to join forces with partner associations on advocacy initiatives. In the coming weeks, I will be meeting with or setting up meetings with various archival, heritage and recordkeeping associations to discuss ways in which we can support each other.
Anna Gibson Hollow ACA President
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Keep your ACA Member Profile up to date! We kindly ask all our members - both new and longstanding - to take a moment to log into the Association of Canadian Archivists website and update their member information. Keeping your profile current helps us stay connected and ensures you receive the latest updates, resources, and opportunities from the ACA community. Your engagement is key to our collective success!
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Nominations and Awards Committee (NAAC)
The Nominations and Awards Committee (NAAC) is now accepting nominations for both the Board of Directors and for ACA awards.
Board of Directors
The NAAC is seeking nominations for the following ACA BoD positions that are up for election in 2025:
The deadline for nominations is close of day PT, April 7, 2025. Nominations can be submitted through the Nomination Form.
See the ACA website for more information about the nomination and election process. Full descriptions of the Board positions and the commitment required for each elected position are also available on the ACA website. See also the ACA Nominations and Elections Policy.
Online voting will open June 4, 2025 at 12:00 am ET, and close at 11:59 pm PT on June 17, 2025. All members in good standing will receive an online ballot via email. The term of office for these positions will begin following the AGM on June 18, 2025.
Awards
NAAC is also inviting nominations from the Canadian archival community for the following honours:
The closing date for nominations is April 14, 2025, 11:59 PT / April 25, 2025, 2:59 am ET. Nominations can be submitted through the Nomination Form. Information on each award as well as the nomination process can be found on the Honours and Awards page.
Questions about Board of Directors elections or awards should be directed to Alice Albarda, Chair, NAAC.
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Membership Committee
The 2025 ACA Mentorship Program is off to a strong start. The Membership Committee matched 28 new archivists with 24 seasoned archivists, and the BIPOC Special Interest Section matched 11 new BIPOC archivists and mentors. This new mentoring stream is an important addition, and we are grateful to everyone who has made it happen! Thank you to all of the mentors who are sharing their time, expertise, and enthusiasm, especially those taking on two mentees.
For mentors and mentees from last year, please remember to complete the survey that was sent to you. Your responses help to strengthen the program and ensure its continued success.
Nicole Aminian, University of Manitoba Archives & Special Collections, has coordinated the Mentorship Program since 2022 and it has grown considerably under her careful stewardship. The ACA and the Membership Committee will miss Nicole’s exceptional work as she is on leave to welcome a new baby. Thanks, and all the best, Nicole!
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The ACA Conference is less than 4 months away! Do you have a program or a product which you would like promoted at the conference? Take advantage of a large number of archivists and records management specialists attending the conference at Carleton University by becoming an exhibitor, or consider sponsoring the conference, its events or sessions. We have a Sponsorship and Exhibitor Guide to help you decide what works best for you and your budget. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact executive.director(at)archivists.ca.
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Early bird registration opened for the ACA Conference on February 18th and will close April 15, 2025. Prices will increase after April 15th, but registration will stay open until May 31, 2025. See the Conference page for additional opportunities to sign up for social events, workshops, and the Annual Dinner/Dance (separate from conference registration). Stay tuned for links to the registration for the social events. |
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Call for Photographs – past ACA conferences and events
Do you have any images of past ACA conferences or events? The 2025 Host Team is looking for images to help celebrate ACA’s last 50 years during the upcoming conference in Ottawa. Any questions or photographs can be emailed to Host.Team(at)archivists.ca.
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ACAF Silent Auction
Calling on all ACA creatives! With the conference only a few months away it is time to start thinking about the ACA Foundation’s silent auction. Do you have anything wild or wonderful you could donate? Please help support the Foundation’s work advancing education for students and professionals in the archival sciences, record keeping and information management. If you have any questions or have ideas for prizes, please contact Kyle Pugh at treasurer(at)archivists.ca.
Prize submissions can be made here. |
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ACA Hashtag Party
You’re invited to the ACA Hashtag Party!
What is it?
On the last Thursday of every month, the ACA Social Media Team organizes a hashtag party, which takes place virtually on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. There is a different theme for each month, which we announce on social media and ARCAN-L in advance. On the day of the party, you can share materials in your collections related to that theme, tag us and use the hashtag, and we’ll re-share your post. The goal of the parties is to engage more with institutions across Canada, see what kinds of materials other institutions have, and promote weird, fun, and interesting items from your own collections.
What’s next?
The next ACA Hashtag Party will take place on March 27, 2025, and the theme will be #ArchivesSports. For this party,we’re looking forward to seeing all your favourite materials from your collections that showcase the history of sports and games!Share your materials on the day and don’t forget to tag us (and use the hashtag!) so we can re-share your posts.
We are also looking forward to celebrating with you for the rest of the year. The dates and themes for all following ACA Hashtag Parties in 2025 will be:
Keep an eye on future issues of Scope and Content and on all our social media accounts to learn more about what each of these themes mean!
For any questions or feedback, or if you have initiatives that you would like the ACA Hashtag Party to support, please email us at communications(at)archivists.ca.
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Carr McLean Discount Available for 2025
The Carr McLean
10% discount is available for both Individual and Institutional ACA
members for the entire membership year. This discount can be applied to
any order over $100 and is non-transferable. Contact the ACA Secretariat at executive.director(at)archivists.ca for the new discount code that will remain effective until December 31, 2025.
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ACA Communications Committee – In the Field blog member
Do you have a keen eye for detail, excellent writing and copy-editing skills, and a passion for gathering and sharing stories about the accomplishments and ideas of fellow archivists? The Communications Committee is looking for a new Blog Team member to support the production of In the Field, the ACA blog. Check out the blog to see examples of the kind of work we produce, and click here for more information and to fill out the volunteer form! The time commitment for this opportunity is approximately five hours of independent, asynchronous time per month, in addition to a one-hour monthly meeting with the rest of the committee.The Communications Committee largely consists of early- to mid-career archival professionals from across the country who are driven and motivated, and we look forward to submissions from like-minded individuals!
Chair Positions Open for ACA Special Interest Sections
We are currently seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to chair two of our Special Interest Sections: Government Records (G.R.S.I.S.) and Environment Special Interest Section (E-S.I.S.).
As a Chair, you will play a key role in leading discussions, organizing events, and advocating for best practices within your section. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with fellow archivists, and contribute to the advancement of our profession.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of these important roles, please contact John Richan at DAL1(at)archivists.ca with a brief statement of your interest and experience.
ACA Financial Review Committee (FRC)
The ACA’s Financial Review Committee (FRC) is looking for volunteers for a two-year term. The FRC is responsible for reviewing financial policy, budgets, and safeguarding the financial assets of the Association. These positions are open to all members. If you're a financial whiz, or hoping to hone your budgeting chops, we're happy to have you join us!
If you have questions, please contact Kyle Pugh, treasurer(at)archivists.ca. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the Volunteer Form. Please note, all volunteers with the ACA are required to abide by the ACA's Volunteer Code of Conduct.
ACA Governance Committee
The Governance Committee needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the Volunteer Form. If you have any questions, please contact Shamin Malmas, shamin_malma(at)sfu.ca.
Emerging Professionals and Student Special Interest Section
Are you a student in an archives-related program or new to the profession? Do you have an interest in growing your professional network and engaging in a supportive environment? Join our team in re-establishing the Emerging Professionals and Student Special Interest Section. We are currently looking for ACA members to help develop and implement the Special Interest Section in its earliest stages. Students and emerging professionals are integral to the ACA and the broader archival community, and this is a great opportunity for you to assist in creating a supportive space.
For more information or to express your interest, contact Carolyn Smith, Carolyn.Smith(at)dal.ca. We look forward to bringing back this Special Interest Section in the 2025/2026 year! |
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In the Field: The ACA Blog
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The In the Field blog is currently preparing to launch new initiatives in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ACA. Stay tuned for more information about ways you can get involved in engaging with the history of archives in Canada!
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All proceeds raised through the ACAF store go towards advancing education by providing publicly available scholarships, bursaries and other forms of financial assistance to post-secondary students, graduates and professionals to be used for training in the fields of archival science, record-keeping and information management. Support the Foundation with this very stylish swag! Visit the ACAF store here for these items and more! Available for pick-up at the ACA conference.
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15 oz ceramic mug "Archives are the gift of one generation to another." $15 + tax and shipping
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Combination package - all the swag
18 oz double wall vacuum tumbler; 15 oz ceramic mug; recycled cotton tote bag; and bamboo case sticky notes!
$75 + tax and shipping
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SAA – Archivists of Religious Collections section
Introduction to deaccessioning
Join the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of Religious Collections Section for a Lunch and Learn: Introduction to deaccessioning with Nicole Menchise of the Long Island Library Resources Council.
This webinar will be recorded.
Mar 20, 2025,12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
Register here.
Introduction to ArchivesSpace
Join the Society of American Archivists, Archivists of Religious Collections Section, for a Lunch and Learn: Introduction to ArchivesSpace with Meaghan O'Riordanof Moravian Archives.
This webinar will be recorded.
Apr 9, 2025,12:00 pm PT / 3:00 pm ET
Register here.
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Practicing NAAB Appraiser (PNA) Masterclass
The National Archival Appraisal Board (NAAB) & the Canadian Council of Archives (CCA) are pleased to offer HYBRID training in the monetary appraisal of archives.
This upcoming Masterclass session, anchored at the University of Victoria Archives, is offered as a HYBRID training opportunity: participants may register to attend in person or remotely. The Masterclass will be taught by Joanna Aiton Kerr, Vice-Chair of the NAAB Board of Directors and Provincial Archivist of New Brunswick, and Simon Rogers, archivist and Chair of the NAAB Board of Directors. Participants will be able to attend both in-person and remotely.
Register to the upcoming Practicing NAAB Appraiser (PNA) Masterclass in Victoria (28 April - 1 May 2025)! Registration deadline: 21 April 2025.
This Masterclass offers participants increased understanding of monetary appraisal processes and supervised opportunities to improve their skill in undertaking effective archival monetary appraisals. On the final day of training, participants will inspect archival material for their summative assignment, performing a monetary appraisal and writing a report due on May 15th, 2025. Upon successful completion of the assignment, participants will become eligible for designation as a Practicing NAAB Appraiser.
To participate in the Masterclass, you should be a mid to late career or retired archivist, historian, librarian, museum curator, specialized dealer or other heritage professional and meet the minimum requirements as outlined on the registration page.
The Victoria session will be delivered in English only.
April 28, 29, 30, May 1, 9:00 am- 3:00 pm PT / 12:00 noon – 6:00 pm ET
For more information, click here.
Register here |
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Black History Month Events
Reclaiming our history through archives: Black and Indigenous perspectives
Archives are often understood as a method through which we learn about our collective past. However, archives, like history, are a foray into the tales that have been selected for us to remember. As we collectively attempt to de-colonise institutions, Black and Indigenous communities are increasingly turning to themselves to understand their histories.
This conversation presented by University of the Streets at Concordia asks, what are the methods through which we can know Black and Indigenous history? How can that history be revived, told, and shared? How can we explore the past to better understand our stories?
When: March 27, 2025, 7:00-9:00 pm
Where: Livresse Bookstore
2671 Notre-Dame W, Montreal, Quebec H3J 1N9
Cost: Free
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AAO Professional Development Committee Presents Video Digitization Fundamentals
Whether you are new to video digitization or are seeking a refresher on the fundamentals of digitally preserving videos, this online workshop is for you.They will review how to identify different video formats, go through basic cleaning and care guidelines for tapes and their corresponding decks, learn how to identify common problems and artifacts that may arise during the transfer process, and review transcoding and file management of the resulting digital objects. This session will primarily focus on demonstrations with U-matic, VHS, and DV formats.
Preserving video can be a nuanced pursuit, but this workshop should equip you with an overview of resources on archival best practices, guidelines, and firsthand tips, so that you can feel more confident in pursuing your video digitization goals.
Special thanks to Western Front in Vancouver for the use of their archives’ video digitization suite for all demonstration activities.
When: March 10, 2025, 1:30-4:30pm, ET
Where: Online. Instructions will be sent upon registration.
Cost: $80 (AAO members), $50 (AAO student members), $120 (non-members) |
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Deadline Extended – CAPAL Student Research Paper Award
The deadline for the Student Research Paper Award has been extended to March 14.
Dear Colleagues,
The CAPAL Awards Committee is delighted to announce the opening of applications for our first ever Student Research Paper Award! This annual award, which includes a $500 prize and a one-year CAPAL membership, is designed to recognize and encourage research excellence among students completing a Master of Library and Information Studies (MLIS) or equivalent degree.
If you are an MLIS student and you have recently written an unpublished paper that demonstrates original academic research relevant to academic libraries or librarianship, we welcome your submission! You do not need to be a current CAPAL member to apply.
This award is open to both individual and group submissions, with the prize money split among winners.
Application deadline: March 14, 2025
Submit applications to: capalawards(at)gmail.com
Nomination packages should include:
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A reflective statement or audio/video recording (up to 500 words or 3-5 minutes) commenting on the context in which the paper was written, what was learned during the research process, and the potential for future publication.
Award winners may be invited to present their research at the annual CAPAL conference and/or submit their paper to the Canadian Journal of Academic Librarianship (CJAL).
Additional details, including the application evaluation rubric, can be found in this document on the CAPAL Awards Committee webpage. For any questions about eligibility or the application process, please contact the CAPAL Awards Committee at capalawards(at)gmail.com.
We look forward to celebrating the innovative research contributions of our student members. Apply today and showcase your impactful work!
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Collaborative ART Archive (CARTA)
The Collaborative ART Archive (CARTA) is an international cohort of art libraries capturing and preserving at-risk web-based art materials.
As art reference and research resources primarily or solely available on the web are inherently ephemeral, CARTA ensures that these resources will be accessible far into the future. More information about CARTA can be found on the program website here.
CARTA's efforts to engage program partners in growing CARTA’s collections are guided by a commitment to inclusivity and diversity, creating a broad community of art librarian professionals involved in the program. With this commitment in mind, CARTA invites you to attend our upcoming information session to learn more about the program, meet program staff, and discuss potential collaboration opportunities.The half-hour information session will be held on March 26, 2025 at 11am PT / 2pm ET. If you’re not able to make it, you can schedule a virtual meeting. Email us at carta(at)archive.org.
Call for Papers - Tábula Journal
Wars, armed conflicts, immigration and wild borders, climatic and natural disasters. The media reports on these contingencies often present apocalyptic facts and images with speculation about their repercussions in geopolitics.Through a close examination of news sources, traces of those who have suffered can be found even when overshadowed by more tempting journalistic targets – by looking through the photographs, oral testimonies, and other firsthand records accompanying them.
Public sentiment often veers toward libraries and books when thinking about the cultural losses brought about by destruction, abandonment, or acts of hatred and violence against spaces of institutional knowledge. But the greatest threat to a community’s ability to rebuild can be the disappearance of records, the destruction of archives, and the legacies around identity, rights, and property that they protect.
For its 28th issue, Tabula is calling for original papers on the following topics:
View the Tabula publication rules and full Call for Papers.
Papers must be submitted through the online submission system before July 31, 2025.
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Submit your job opportunity here and it will be posted to the ACA website. We will also share this opportunity on our social media channels.
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Contract Archivist, Gwich’in Tribal Council – Culture and Heritage Department, Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
Deadline: Until position is filled
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Do you have news you’d like the ACA to share via its social media channels? The Communications Committee has created a form you can use to give us the details!
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The next issue of Scope & Content will come out on
Thursday, April 3, 2025. See you then!
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Contact Us
Suite 1912-130 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4
Tel: 613-383-2009
Email: aca@archivists.ca
www.archivists.ca
The ACA office is located on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.
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