Archives for a Changing World
The Spring 2021 Program Committee would like to announce an extension of the deadline for the spring meeting's call for proposals. The new deadline for session proposals is October 16, 2020. We hope that the extended deadline will allow our members to further connect, share ideas, and contribute to a successful spring conference!
New England Archivists (NEA) invites submissions of session proposals for our Virtual Spring 2021 Meeting, to be held remotely the week of March 22-27, 2021.
The deadline for proposals is now October 16, 2020.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the associated uncertainties, we have decided to move the in-person spring meeting to an entirely virtual format.
The Spring 2021 Meeting theme, Archives for a Changing World, was inspired by the resiliency of the archives community. We pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the demands of unexpected challenges and innovate solutions that build a stronger, more inclusive community. Let us seize this moment to examine and explore the ingenuity, the resourcefulness, and the curiosity that we as archives professionals bring to a world in a seemingly constant state of flux.
The Spring 2021 Program Committee invites proposals on all topics but is especially interested in the following:
- Anti-racism
- Crisis management
- Climate change
- Social justice
- Labor practices/professional responsibilities
- Managing remote work
- Rapid response collecting
- Managing change
- Professional ethics
- Self-care
First-time presenters, current graduate students, early-career professionals, and BIPOC are encouraged to apply.
A Note about the Remote Format
Many details of the remote nature of the conference are still in the planning stages. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Program Committee chair (rjirka@amherst.edu) or the Inclusion and Diversity Committee (diversity@newenglandarchivists.org) with any questions or concerns you may have.
Possible Session Types
Sessions are not limited to those listed below, and we encourage proposals with creative session formats.
Standard Presentations
Two or three speakers present on a common theme. May include a moderator to steer discussion and/or introduce speakers and theme.
Open Forum
Topical discussion with moderator leading discussion with everyone in attendance. May include additional moderator(s) to direct breakout conversations.
Roundtable Discussion
Three or four participants make very brief remarks, then discuss a topic together. Includes a moderator to steer discussion.
PechaKucha
Each presentation consists of 20 slides or images displayed for 20 seconds each, with comment, and lasts 6 minutes and 40 seconds. Highest number of presenters possible is 12, fewer if leaving time for questions.
Lightning Talks
Like PechaKucha, but without a set format. May or may not include slides or images. Presentations may be from 3 to 10 minutes long, with number of presenters depending on time allotted for each.
Debate
Moderator announces the topic, and two other people debate.
Other
If you have an idea for a virtual session not outlined here, let us know!
Note: Presenters are expected to have access to an internet connection, a computer with a microphone and camera, and the ability to access the virtual conference platform (to be determined).
For more ideas on successful conference sessions, see these links:
Collaboration
To facilitate collaboration, the Spring 2021 Program Committee has created a space for NEA members to develop session proposals together.
Please use this space to connect with your colleagues about potential session topics and formats. This collaborative space will be accessible until the deadline for proposals, October 16, 2020.
Proposal Submission
To submit a proposal, complete this form.
Please note that proposed sessions involving fewer than three presenters and/or covering overlapping topics may be grouped together.
All submissions will be acknowledged by the Program Committee. If your proposal is selected, your acknowledgment will include instructions about next steps. All presenters are required to register for the conference upon acceptance, at the early-bird rate.
Accessibility and Code of Conduct
NEA is committed to making the Spring 2021 Meeting welcoming and accessible to all presenters and attendees. Presenters are encouraged to ensure that their presentations meet current accessibility guidelines. Presenters are also required to abide by the NEA Code of Conduct, which can be found here:
https://www.newenglandarchivists.org/Code-of-Conduct
If you will need specific accommodations, such as interpretive services, to support your participation in this event, please contact the program chair.
Scholarships
Scholarships are available through NEA to facilitate participation for those in need. Details about criteria and how to apply will be shared via the listserv and on the NEA website prior to the application period opening.
Please see the following pages for specific details on past scholarship requirements:
Meeting and travel assistance:
https://newenglandarchivists.org/meeting_travel
Student member meeting and travel assistance:
https://newenglandarchivists.org/VonSalis
Inclusion and diversity session scholarship:
https://newenglandarchivists.org/inclusion-diversity-scholarship/
Questions? Please contact the Program Committee Chair, Rachel Jirka, at rjirka@amherst.edu.
