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Concerns Over the Sudden Dismissal of the Massachusetts State Archivist
A Position Statement Adopted by SAA Council, June 1995
June 13, 1995
The Honorable William M. Bulger
President of the Senate
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State House, Room 332
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Senator Bulger:
I write as President of the Society of American Archivists, the national
professional association for archivists in the United States. SAA has
more than 3,300 members, including a large number who live and work in
Massachusetts. My purpose is to express our concern over the sudden dismissal
of the Massachusetts State Archivist and its implication for the future
of the state archives program. Our concerns are similar to those expressed
to you by the New England Archivists and by others.
We share with you a belief in the importance of archival records both
for our cultural heritage and as the cornerstone of accountability in
government. Because of this, the archival profession believes that those
who head state programs must have professional credentials that will equip
them to make informed decisions regarding disposition and access to archival
records and to provide leadership in their communities. We also believe
that archivists must be insulated from partisan political pressures that
may inhibit their ability to make wise and independent decisions.
We hope that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will move expeditiously
with the search for a permanent replacement for the commonwealth archivist,
and that the process will include a search or screening process representing
the interests of constituencies that use the archives. We also hope that
the appointment will be made without regard to political affiliation and
solely on the basis of professional qualifications required to perform
the responsibilities of the office.
In identifying and selecting the next archivist of the commonwealth,
we urge you to give preference to candidates with the following traits:
- Successful experience in administering archival or records programs
or similar programs with responsibilities for cultural or informational
resources; ability to expand and change program directions to meet changing
needs and conditions; b, demonstrated commitment to the management,
preservation, access, and use of records.
- Demonstrated vision for the future of government archives and information
management programs, including development and implementation of information
policies and plans for the management of electronic records.
- Commitment to working effectively with offices of government and with
other archival programs in Massachusetts to effectively address shared
responsibilities and concerns.
- Experience working effectively with legislators, government officials,
trustees, and resource allocators in ways that ensure adequate support
for programs, even in time of financial stringency.
- Experience seeking the advice and counsel of constituent and user
groups, including professional associations, as well as experience responding
to constituent needs.
- Proven ability to articulate a compelling defense of information resources
and of the importance of b programs for their care and management to
public officials, the general public, resource allocators, and users.
- A reputation for excellence and leadership, and sufficient stature
for the archivist to be seen and accepted as a leader by a wide range
of constituent groups.
I hope that these above criteria will be useful to you as you seek a
new archivist for the commonwealth. Please feel free to call on the Society
of American Archivists if we can be of any further assistance to you in
this process.
Sincerely,
Maygene F. Daniels
President, Society of American Archivists
Archival Issues Raised by Information Stored in Electronic Form
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