You are cordially invited to join one of the archival profession's most energetic, vital, and productive associations. While our focus is on the Southwest United States and our member states of Arizona, Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas, we serve members from most US states and many foreign countries. We welcome the participation of everyone interested in preserving our documentary heritage.

The Society of Southwest Archivists welcomes the participation all persons interested in furthering and promoting the preservation and use of archives. Our members include:

• archivists
• special collections librarians
• preservationists
• conservators
• museum curators

• records managers
• students
• historians
• genealogists
• volunteers

...and other persons interested in cultural preservation. We look forward to welcoming you to the society and to working with you to preserve and make available our documentary heritage.

The SSA's official publication, our quarterly newsletter contains articles about the archival profession throughout our region, meeting reports, new collection information, exhibit announcements, personnel announcements, job notices, and more. It is an invaluable guide to archival activities throughout the Southwest and an essential resource.

The Professional Development Committee sponsors low cost workshops on all aspects of the archival enterprise. Recent workshops have dealt with topics as varied as magnetic media preservation, archives security, religious archives, and EAD.

In addition to creating its own courses, SSA’s Professional Development Committee works with the Society of American Archivists, Amigos, SOLINET, NEDCC, and other organizations to bring major training sessions and nationally-known instructors to the Southwest. SSA works to ensure that its upper-level educational offerings are eligible for Archival Recertification Credits (ARCs) from the Academy of Certified Archivists.

Each spring, the members of SSA meet to share their experiences and concerns. Distinguished speakers from across the country enhance these gatherings and presentations illuminate new aspects of a wide range of archival, records management, and manuscript repository issues. Attendees also enjoy stimulating workshops and the opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from other archivists at receptions that showcase the best the area has to offer.

Recent guest speakers have included the president of the Academy of Certified Archivists, the president of the Society of American Archivists, and the Director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The Society of Southwest Archivists offers three scholarships to further the continuing education of our members and to help defray the costs of attending the annual meeting:

• A. Otis Hebert, Jr. Continuing Education Scholarship

• John Michael Caldwell Student Scholarship

• SSA Annual Meeting Scholarship

Please visit our scholarships and awards page for full descriptions and application information.

The SSA membership directory features the contact information for all current members of the society.The pdf file is arranged alphabetically by last name and is keyword searchable. Please note that this list is password-protected.

Your membership also allows the Society of Southwest Archivists to sponsor annual awards which encourage professional excellence.

The SSA's Distinguished Service Award is presented to a member who has made significant contributions to the society and the wider archival profession. In 1996 Metal Edge, Inc., graciously began sponsoring the award.

The Sister M. Claude Lane Award recognizes significant contributions to the field of religious archives. SSA sponsors and funds the award but the Society of American Archivists Awards Committee chooses the recipient. It is the only award established and funded by a regional but presented by SAA. Established in 1974, it is an enduring example of regional / national cooperation.