This post is from Brittany Newberry (she/her), Processing Archivist at the Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library in Atlanta, GA, current advisor and past chair of the Career Development Subcommittee. Brittany is also a steering committee member for the Archivists and Archives of Color section.
Brittany, what drew you to archives?
My first year of undergrad I had to choose a place to work for my work study. At the time, the Special Collections department in the library was called Rare Books and I thought that sounded cool. I worked there for all four years of undergrad and absolutely loved it. Through my time there, I was able to create enclosures for fragile books, repair book bindings, process a few collections, and do reference work. I loved being able to see handwritten correspondence and materials from various people. I liked knowing that I was helping to preserve history. So, I decided to attend library school and concentrate on archives. I’ve been in archives ever since.
Why did you get involved with the Committee or Subcommittee?
After being a member of SAA a couple years, I knew I wanted to get involved and help make a difference in the profession. I saw the call for volunteers and applied. After being appointed to the Membership committee, I was assigned to the Career Development subcommittee. As an early career archivist at the time, I was nervous about this assignment, but it has been the best part of my time on the committee and I have learned so much.
What’s your favorite thing about your work on the Committee or Subcommittee?
I would definitely say my favorite thing is the people I get to work with. The subcommittee co-chairs are fantastic and our volunteers for the Career Center and Career Services Commons have been excellent.
What do you wish SAA members knew about your Committee or Subcommittee or its work?
I wish people knew that we are more than just the Career Center at the Annual Meeting. The Career Development subcommittee is actively working to identify and implement ways to help archivists advance their careers. So check out the Career Services Commons and/or send us an email with a suggestion. We want to help SAA members and non-members thrive.
If you’d like to learn more about career services offered by the Membership Committee, please visit the SAA Career Commons!
SAA Membership Blog 