Professional Networking, Career Strategies, and Leadership

The thematic focus of the upcoming 2008 annual conference of the Society of American
Archivists--the identity of the archivist--is equally suited to the practicum. Archivists
often define themselves and measure their professional growth through associations such
as the SAA since such professional associations afford networking, career enhancement,
sources of knowledge and experience, and opportunities for leadership and mentoring.
The panel for this session includes three SAA presidents (past, current, and incoming)
and other senior archivists with considerable experience in mentoring new members of
the archival profession. They will discuss as a panel their recommendations to new
members of the archival profession including what they perceive as critical skills and
knowledge, strategies for employment and involvement in the profession, future directions for the profession, and paths to leadership. Mark Greene, current president of
SAA, will take part via webcast.