ACA 2015: Perspectives on the Archival Horizon
Regina, Saskatchewan
June 11-13, 2015
Our horizon is a function of the way the world is and how we see things. We can change how we view the
world, but we must start from where we now stand; and we must bear in mind our position will influence
how others perceive us. Our horizon is the boundary where the earth and the sky meet and where
expectations, dreams and hope exist alongside reality. The 2015 ACA Program Team invites conference
session proposals that consider the archival horizon from three perspectives:
The view from here. For example:
- a reality-check on actual challenges, failures, and successes for archives and archivists
- are traditional archival functions and practices still valid and viable, or are they in competition with trends?
- are archives meeting the expectations of our digital world?
- is it significant that each archives has a unique position on the Canadian landscape?
- are archivists still relevant? Do we know who we are?
The view from other perspectives. For example:
- the influence of users on archival theory and practice
- the relationship between archivists and records creators
- handling conflict between the needs of users, funders, and the records
- has the internet given the world one shared horizon and how does that affect archival acquisition and access?
- have archives ever been, or should they be, populist?
New horizons. For example:
- how do the records we acquire shape the horizon in terms of research and the view of future users?
- towards sustainable archives – how do we get there from here?
- creative funding models; can we continue to do more with less?
- how do we identify and promote the role of archivists?
- reflection on action arising from the recommendations of the Archives Summit and expert panels
- Join us under Saskatchewan’s big sky to gaze with a critical and appraising eye over the wide open archival horizon.
SUBMITTING PROPOSALS:
Use the “Call for Submission” link on the ACA website at http://www.archivists.ca/ or,
• To make an individual submission, (e.g. paper), use this link:
http://archivists.ca/content/aca-conference-proposal-individual-submission
• For a full session or workshop submission, use this link:
http://archivists.ca/content/aca-conference-proposal-complete-session-or-workshop
• For tips and pointers on how to prepare proposals and a general overview of the conference
program development process, use this link:
http://archivists.ca/sites/default/files/Attachments/professional_development/Conference_docs/conf
erencesubmissionoverviewtipsforwebsite2013-07-26.pdf.
The Call for Submissions deadline is October 3, 2014.
Complete session proposals are most welcome, but individual paper proposals will also be considered and if
accepted, slotted into appropriate sessions. Sessions are usually 1-1.5 hours. Proposals can be either
practical or theoretical, in a variety of formats including:
- Traditional session: formal presentation of papers; approximately 20 minutes per speaker, with questions to follow as time allows.
- Panel discussion: abbreviated presentation of papers; approximately 10-15 minutes per speaker, with discussion to follow.
- Roundtable: brief 5-7 minute presentations with open discussion
- Focused Debate on a specific topic: brief presentations with open discussion & debate to follow
The deadline for proposals is: October 3, 2014
Workshop Proposals - are submitted using the Full Session submission web form; these submissions will
be forwarded to the Professional Learning Committee, which will make its decisions in November.
Workshop is defined as a full 1-day or 2-day event, generally combining presentations, group
discussions and hands-on activities for a group of about 25 – 30 participants. Workshops can cover
any topic/subject, and may not be related directly to the conference theme
For a workshop submission, use this link:
http://archivists.ca/content/aca-conference-proposal-complete-session-or-workshop
Student Papers and Posters: There will be a Call for Student Papers as well as a Call for Posters later
this year, with submission deadlines early in 2015.
Please direct any questions to:
Susan McClure
Chair, ACA 2015 Conference Program Team
Halifax Regional Municipality Archives
mcclurs@halifax.ca
902-490-1482
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