The Society of Southwest Archivists will host its virtual annual meeting from May 1st through May 3rd, 2024. Although we have no physical, in-person space in which to meet, we still have the opportunity to share our work virtually from our own communities, workplaces, and homes. The theme this year is “DO NOT DEPLETE: Creating Sustainable Solutions in LAMs”. This theme emphasizes sustainability in all its many forms. There are four main areas of sustainability - Human, Social, Economic, and Environmental - all of which are reflected in the archival and archives-adjacent professions.    

All sessions will be held virtually, and will be recorded.   

Session proposals are welcome on any subject, training, or topic relevant to the archives and records management professions. Proposals will be evaluated on the completeness of the description, the originality of the topic, and the diversity of speakers. In addition, the Program Committee will prioritize submissions not only focusing on sustainability, but also those with a strong equity, diversity, and inclusion components.   

We also encourage proposal submissions from non-SSA members and those located outside of the Southwest. However, please note that conference registration is required for those whose proposals are accepted.    

The deadline for submission is December 1st, 2023.   

Specific areas of member interest include:    

• Community-based archives and post-custodial collections   
• Indigenous archives   
• Integrating archives   
• Collaboration and breaking the silos   
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion   
• Accessibility   
• Hybridity   
• Ethics and social responsibility   
• Reparative archival work   
• Technology in the archives   

The Program Committee invites submissions in the following formats:   

Panel Discussion

A traditional session with three to five speakers, each giving 15-20 minute presentations on a single theory or perspective on a given topic, followed by time for questions. Prepared papers are not required. The Moderator/Chair is usually one of the speakers.   

Roundtable Discussion
Less formal than a Panel Discussion, a Roundtable session consists of one to three presentations of 10 minutes each that describe a theory, issue, or initiative followed by small group discussions where participants and speakers share ideas. A session Chair is not required.   

Lightning Talks
A large panel of eight to ten speakers that deliver 5 minute talks on a common theme or issue, keeping a lively pace and sharing relevant take-away ideas. A session Chair is required to compile presentation materials and maintain the time schedule.   

Skills Training
Are you a whiz at making phase boxes? Do you have advanced Excel skills or other technical expertise? Share your skills with other members in a mini-workshop setting. Focus on one or two skills that can be shared in a 60 or 90-minute session. Skills Training sessions can have one or two speakers, and a moderator to assist with materials. Proposals should include details of the speaker’s relevant experience or training.   

Lunch Meeting/Discussion
Are you part of a state or local archival organization that would like to meet up at SSA? Use this form to let us know! Want to start a book club or a study group? Get your special interest in the program to reach more potential members.   

Please click here to submit your proposal.    

Have a session idea and are looking for other like-minded souls? The Program Committee has created a 2024 Proposal Connector spreadsheet to facilitate collaboration and the creation of joint proposals among old and new colleagues across the region.   

Thank you,   

Perla Camacho-Cedillo

Reference Librarian | Angleton Branch

Brazoria County Library System

401 E Cedar Angleton, TX 77515

979-864-1520

PerlaC@bcls.lib.tx.us