Just a few thoughts on all the messages received on this subject so far.
1) The message was posted to archives-nra to see what initial reaction
there would be to the idea. If the reaction was favourable, the next step
was to put something in the SoA Newsletter, so that all SoA members could
read about it.
2) As a business archivist I obviously agree with the idea of a special
interest group within the SoA.
3) A mix of subject-based SIGs as already existing in the SoA and sector
SIGs (i.e. local government, business, higher education etc) could cater
for all. As others have already pointed out if all this happens it is
going to mean administrative changes, but if the end 'product' is a
Society which more genuinely caters for members working in all sectors,
then so be it.
There will also be problems for various members who do not neatly fit into
categories, which is one of the reasons why the SRG has been so useful. As
an SRG member, it would be sad to see this group disappear, but if a more
effective way of meeting the memberships requirements is found then we
should go with it.
Discussions about such changes are going to be fraught, but hopefully a
well-informed and rational debate will bring about new ideas which could
be implemented.
Finally to declare an interest - yes I do work with one of the signatories
to the original message, but I had no part in the discussions which led to
the idea of BAG or whatever you want to call it.
Gary Collins
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