Daniel McCormack, Candidate for Regent for Outreach
Daniel McCormack, CA, has served as Archivist/Records Manager for the Town of Burlington (MA) since 2002. He has been a Certified Archivist since 2012. He is responsible for maintaining the historical and business records of the town and providing technical service and advice to the town’s Historical Commission. Previously he was adult services reference librarian at the Brockton Public Library. He holds masters degrees from the University of Massachusetts-Boston and Simmons College. He was previously chair of the Privacy and Confidentiality Section of the Society of American Archivists and currently sits on the Steering Committee of SAA’s Human Rights Archives section. He has also served on the Advisory Board of NEDCC. Previously, he was a newspaper reporter and editor in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. He has been a member of the Massachusetts State Historical Advisory Board since 2013.
“What is the role of archival certification in the modern work environment?”
Despite disruptions and adjustments to work and working circumstances in recent years, the role of archival certification hasn’t changed. Rather, the many changes to our work have made our roles more important. We can make a significant impact through the message and messaging we convey about archives, and that is why I seek your support as candidate for Regent for Outreach.
An important element of certification is communication. The designation reflects and communicates the highest standard of proficiency within the profession. Being a Certified Archivist proves we have mastered our craft. It means we understand and undertake our role with the highest degree of credibility.
Archival work will continue to evolve, and throughout, we need to reinforce and restate what makes archives special, meaningful and valuable to our institutions and society at large. Being certified is a tool for expressing the archival perspective and our unique skills with the audiences we meet and the institutions we serve. The credential reflects our credibility. As our work and workplaces evolve, certification puts us in a better position to continue maintaining the interests and perspective of archives. This is especially important when conditions or circumstances threaten our values and professionalism.
Change will always happen. Trust and credibility are key to managing the direction of change. We are most credible and have the greatest impact when we clearly communicate our essential functions while expressing the greater significance of archives. In the ideal situation, the archivist needs always to be the most able and trusted person in the room. Every day the Certified Archivist has shown that they are that person and that they deserve to be heard. Going forward, the Regent for Outreach needs to support CAs and those with an interest in archives with greater means for using our unique voice and perspective.