SAA selects Millar's book "A Matter of Facts" for One Book, One Profession 2020/2021

CHICAGO — The Publications Board of Society of American Archivists (SAA) has selected for its 2020/2021 One Book, One Profession reading initiative "A Matter of Facts: The Value of Evidence in an Information Age," by Laura A. Millar. Her urgent manifesto is part of the Archival Futures series published jointly by SAA and ALA Neal-Schuman. The SAA Publications Board notes, "This provocative call-to-arms explains the concept of evidence and discusses the ways in which records, archives, and data are not just useful tools for our daily existence but also essential sources of evidence both today and in the future. It includes examples that illustrate the critical role evidence plays in upholding rights, enforcing responsibilities, tracing family or community stories, and capturing and sharing memories. And it examines the impact of digital technologies on how records and information are created and used."

The One Book, One Profession 2020/2021 page includes resources and ideas for sharing the book with colleagues, such as tips for hosting a book discussion via Zoom and a downloadable study guide.

Dr. Millar is an independent consultant and scholar in records, archives, and information management, who has also worked in publishing and distance education. She has consulted with governments, universities, colleges, professional associations, non-profit organizations, and other agencies around the world. Her work has ranged from advising the Government of Hong Kong on best practices in records and archives management to consulting with First Nations’ communities in the Canadian arctic on the preservation of indigenous sources of evidence. She was named the winner of the Society of American Archivists' 2011 Waldo Gifford Leland Award for “Archives: Principles and Practices,” currently in its second edition. She is the author of dozens of publications and conference presentations, and she has taught records and archives management in several universities in Canada and internationally.

Founded in 1936, the Society of American Archivists (SAA) is North America’s oldest and largest national archival professional association. Archival Futures, a new book series published jointly by SAA and ALA Neal-Schuman, critically engages issues related to archives for the public good. Books in the series combine provocative arguments with practical insights, examining professional values and current innovations in archival and library practice.

In Canada, the book is distributed exclusively through the Ontario Library Association.

Many book retailers and distributors are experiencing service disruptions or delays, including Amazon. For speediest service, order direct from the ALA Store. ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library and information professionals worldwide. ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman publishes resources used by library and information professionals, scholars, students, and educators to improve programs and services, build on best practices, enhance pedagogy, share research, develop leadership, and promote advocacy. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a variety of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions | ALA Neal-Schuman at editionsmarketing@ala.org.