The Importance of Professional Networks

Abstract

In the introductory column by new column coeditors Amy Cooper Cary and Rosemary Pleva Flynn, the authors explain the goals and methodology for the column, and address the significance of professional networking. Authors focus on networking strategies and resources for both new and seasoned archivists.

Notes

Notes

1 See the Society of American Archivists Directory of Archival Organizations in the United States and Canada at https://www2.archivists.org/assoc-orgs/directory

2 The 2006 A*CENSUS – the most current analysis of the demographics of the archival profession – used a sample size of 11,842 individuals identified as archivists. Of those identified, the number of respondents was 5,620. See data for the A*CENSUS at https://www2.archivists.org/initiatives/acensus-archival-census-education-needs-survey-in-the-united-states

3 For example, “https://www.cio.com/article/3219704/how-to-network-17-tips-for-shy-people.html” or “https://www.scienceofpeople.com/networking/”.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Amy Cooper Cary

Amy Cooper Cary, Head of Special Collections and University Archives at Marquette University: I have been an archival practitioner and educator for more than 20 years. Most often, I will say that I moved from practice; to teaching; and back to practice. That technically follows the “titles” of my career path, but the reality is more fluid. I’ve consistently blended the opportunity to practice archival work with teaching and mentoring. While I was teaching at the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee’s School of Information Studies, I was an archival consultant for multiple small repositories; currently, I am an adjunct instructor for UWM - SOIS, as well as the Head of Special Collections at Marquette. Professionally, I’m most deeply involved in the Society of American Archivists, the Wisconsin Hub for the DPLA, and the Midwest Archives Conference, all of which combine work in mentoring, writing and the education of the new generation of archivists.

Rosemary Pleva Flynn

Rosemary Pleva Flynn, C.A., Principal Librarian and Team Lead, Library & Information Services, at the Energy & Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota: Archives are my passion, although you would not necessarily know that from my job title. I work daily as a librarian, a records manager, and an archivist which perhaps gives me a unique perspective on the fluidity of information. Always learning, I recently completed the Graduate Capstone Certificate in User Experience from the University of Wisconsin, Madison. My professional memberships both regionally and nationally match my diverse work environment. I am especially involved with the Society of American Archivists, currently as chair of the Dictionary Working Group and as a workshop instructor, and with the Academy of Certified Archivists, as the new Regent for Exam Administration (2019–2021) and previously the representative to the Nexus: Leading Across Boundaries project.