Laura Botts, Candidate for Treasurer
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
Director of Office Administration Historic Macon Foundation, 2021-Present
Assistant Dean for Archives and Digital Initiatives Mercer University, 2016-2021
Associate Director for Special Collections Mercer University, 2014-2016
Head of Special Collections Mercer University, 2006-2014
Popular Music Archivist Georgia State University, 2003-2006
Music Librarian/Archivist Georgia Music Hall of Fame, 1996-2002
EDUCATION:
- Master of Business Administration, Mercer University: 2018
- Master of Science in Library and Information Studies, Florida State University: 1995
- Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, Shorter College: 1993
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES:
- Academy of Certified Archivists: Member, 2005-present; Webmaster / Digital Community Coordinator, 2010-2014.
- Society of American Archivists: Member, ca. 2002-2021.
- Society of Georgia Archivists: Member, ca. 1997-present; Fellow, 2017; Secretary, 2011-2012; Nominating Committee, 2006, 2009; SGA Newsletter staff, 2000-2002, 2009-2010; Provenance Board, 2003-2006, 2009.
- Association of Librarians and Archivists at Baptist Institutions: Member, 2006-present; Vice President, 2012-2014; President, 2014-2016.
“What is the role of archival certification in the modern work environment?"
As the world of work has changed drastically over the past two years, the Academy of Certified Archivists has pivoted to accommodate its members and potential members. All of us have adapted to a system of remote meetings, virtual conferences, and various hybrid practices. However, the need for archival certification has not diminished. In fact, professional credentialing is as important as ever in this time of transition.
The Academy’s mission of supporting and promoting “the highest level of professional archival practice” ensures that archivists, regardless of program of graduate study or place of employment, share a common understanding of the field. Employers may rest assured that CAs are familiar with current standards and best practices. The recertification process also ensures that CAs will continue to focus on education and professional development: certification by the ACA is not a “one and done” process. Having a Certified Archivist on the team lets employers know they are working with active, engaged professionals who will continue to grow throughout their careers.
Although the formats of workshops and conferences may have changed during the pandemic, the ACA is committed to upholding standards in the profession. It has vetted online workshops to ensure their quality in order to provide recertification points. ACA’s decisions to continue offering online examinations and virtual business meetings and gatherings have made it easier for those who could not previously travel to testing or meeting locations to certify and stay involved. The world may never be quite the same, but ACA certification remains an indicator of a qualified, professional, evolving archivist.