An update to this post about the Society of American Archivists disappearing their listserv archives, as posted on the Archivist’s Listerv:
To: A&A List
From: Elizabeth Adkins, SAA PresidentSubject: Appraisal of A&A List (1993-2006)
The SAA Council convened via conference call last night to review the feedback on our previously announced decision to dispose of the A&A List archives (1993-2006). We are impressed by, and grateful for, the range and depth of responses to our announcement – particularly as they relate to concern on behalf of the profession. After taking everyone’s thoughtful comments into account, we’ve decided to work with Miami University of Ohio to explore the option of transferring the list archives to another repository.
We remain concerned that transferring the list archives raises administrative and legal considerations that must be addressed, but we are willing to work to find ways to address those issues, if at all possible. We have contacted MUO, which has agreed to extend until further notice the date by which the list archives must be taken down to give us more time to work out the details. Should it become necessary, we will arrange for a download of the archives list files that could be used in a transfer to another repository.
Clearly this experience demonstrates that appraisal is something about which good archivists can disagree, and we respect the passionate disagreement of the list community with our original decision. I want to thank all who have expressed their concern, publicly or privately, and for the constructive suggestions that many of you have made to address SAA’s concerns.
We will be communicating with the list as we progress through next steps.
As the kids are saying nowadays, w00t!
