Mirror, Mirror

For eighty-six years, this journal has held a mirror to the world of archives and archivists, its authors writing ongoing analysis our professional ethics, theories, craft. The stated purpose is “to reflect thinking about theoretical practical developments in archival profession, particularly North America; relationships between archivists creators users archives; cultural, social, legal, technological that affect nature recorded information need create maintain it.”1 Over we have, as formed theory, honed practice, explored discussed purpose. literature is, many ways, organic Terry Eastwood described characteristics records themselves.2 natural interrelated; it cumulative, each piece speaks through writings others. As professionals, are informed shaped by literature. notes “theory becomes more than contemplation when presents ideas role or documents play social relations.”3 We have numerous articles books since wrote 1994, especially late 1990s early 2000s. And now, once again at point where turning collective gaze inward asking ourselves who group how contributing preservation historic record, memory, cultural heritage. What responsibilities, what barriers facing? It exactly element reflection comes mind I think issue journal.This issue's publication All Archivists Survey A*CENSUS II shows us snapshot nearly twenty years after first A*CENSUS. builds on 2004 survey informs current consideration place society.A*CENSUS also gives framework which read other issue. Courtney Chartier's Presidential Address encourages actively question systems work. Michelle Sweetser colleagues do just via another survey—the College University Archives Landscape Survey—which explores challenges inherent structure these systems. Partnered with data, powerful reading. Alex Poole Ashley Todd-Diaz explore basis for structures, considering history education relationship educators practitioners. These observations demographics data. dynamics highlighted Eira Tansey's focus published work academia opposed works authored government archivists. Finally, Sarah Jones Ryan DiPaolo contribute view workplace workflow changed COVID-19. This rooted history, well dynamic. There tension issue, promise.The reflective extraordinary, mirrors shift perception those whom serve. noted last journal, own up take it, depends outlook, research, urge share things colleagues. Fall/Winter 2023 American Archivist will publish Administrators Report—a new perspective profession. Spring/Summer 2024 inviting data analyze different aspects anticipate continue responding societal change. precisely see promise. look forward continuing engage submitting encouraging viewpoints from all areas profession seeing takes participative, thoughtful, generous stewards