Information, Records, Archives

The Australian Society of Archivists Inc. (ASA) is Australia's peak professional body for archivists and records managers. We advocate on behalf of archivists, and the archival and records management profession, and seek to promote the value of archives and records as well as support best practice standards and services.

Please note that the ASA is a not for profit organisation and only holds records that pertain directly to the Society.

Objects of the Society

The Objects of the Society are:

• to promote by all available means the preservation and care of archives;
• to establish and maintain communication and co-operation amongst archivists, the institutions in which they work and the users of archives;
• to establish and maintain standards of archival practice and administration and of professional conduct amongst archivists;
• establish standards of archival qualifications and professional training;
• to encourage research into any area of archival practice and administration and the care and use of archives;
• to publish a journal and other materials relating to the objects of the Society;
• to provide a means of collecting, co-ordinating and disseminating information relevant to the practice, status, and problems of the archival profession;
• to promote amongst the general public and special groups an understanding of the nature of archives and their value;
• to encourage the efficient and responsible use of archives;
• to promote a professional identity amongst archivists and to advance their professional standing and welfare;
• to co-operate with other organisations and groups having complementary objectives, particularly in the fields of conservation, research and records management; and
• to provide an authoritative voice on matters of archival concern.

Mission, Goals and Values

ASA Mission

The Australian Society of Archivists advocates for and supports archives, archivists and recordkeeping in Australia by providing leadership, creating current, relevant, accessible member services, and promoting the diversity and value of archives and archivists. 

Read The Archivist's Mission approved at the Council meeting on 26-27 July 1996.

Goals

In order to achieve our Mission, we will:

• Govern and manage the organisation well
• Inform, engage and support our members
• Promote the value of archives and records in society
• Provide and facilitate education and training for archivists and recordkeepers
• Establish and maintain archival and recordkeeping professional standards.

Values

The ASA values:

• an open, inclusive and diverse archival profession
• efficient management of records as evidence, memory and history of our democracy, business, and cultures
• social and organisational accountability through preservation, availability and use of records and archives
• research into archival and recordkeeping theory and practice, including digital recordkeeping, to stay ahead in a digital and disruptive society
• standards of recordkeeping and archival education, practice and conduct.

ASA Strategic Priorities 2020-2025

1. Sustainability: support member services with appropriate staffing and systems.
   We recognise the need to diversify the income stream through online learning, publications, sponsorship and training opportunities to ensure we can deliver quality member benefits and ongoing initiatives that support the archival profession. The ASA business model will prioritise ethical and informed decisions particularly with regard to limiting our impact on climate change.
2. Mentoring: foster new and emerging professionals. We will provide scholarships, awards, programs and funds to recognise and support the renewal and diversification of our membership; create ways to make opportunities more accessible, and foster new and existing special interest groups.
3. Advocacy: strength in alliances.
   We will lead the profession and Australian archivists on the local, national and international stage through advocacy, partnerships and communication opportunities, as well as honouring our long-standing members as we work towards the 50th Anniversary of the ASA in 2025.
4. Continuing Education: building professional capabilities. We will foster and build professionalisation through the accreditation of higher education courses, and continue the development of new training and educational opportunities through online learning courses, workshops and publications.
5. Professional Standards: skills, knowledge and experience. We will promote the importance of professional standards and capabilities in our work and professional recognition of our membership in order to foster relevant and strong archival skills and knowledge. We will review the management of our Journal Archives & Manuscripts and publish a fourth edition of Keeping Archives.