As president of the Society of American Archivists from 2014 to 2015, Kathleen D. Roe called upon archivists to expand their advocacy efforts by demonstrating how “archives change lives.” In this episode, Kathleen, who recently retired from the New York State Archives as director of Archives and Records Management, reflects on writing her new book for SAA’s Archival Fundamentals Series III, Advocacy and Awareness for Archivists, and the importance of advocacy for archives and archivists. She also shares her most successful advocacy effort and advice for archivists who wish to engage in advocacy work in their own contexts.

Episode Extras

Advocacy and awareness are essential activities that underpin the work of the archives profession, helping archivists communicate the value and relevance of our work to administrators and the general public. In Advocacy and Awareness for Archivists, volume three in SAA’s Archival Fundamentals Series III, Kathleen D. Roe draws on her extensive experience to walk new and experienced archivists through basic principles and practices of  advocating for and creating awareness of archives. Available at the Society of American Archivists.

Check out advocacy courses taught by Kathleen in the SAA Education program.