What role do state archives play in preserving history, ensuring government accountability, and providing vital records for the public? How can an association shift from an exclusive membership model to an inclusive, trade-based organization?

In this episode of Associations Thrive, host Joanna Pineda interviews Joy Banks, Executive Director of the Council of State Archivists (CoSA). Joy discusses:

• What CoSA is and how it supports state and territorial government archives across the country.
• The role of state archivists in preserving government records and ensuring public access to critical historical and legal documents.
• The types of records that state archives manage, including gubernatorial documents, legislative records, judicial rulings, birth and death certificates, and even National Guard records.
• The increasing importance of digital records, retention policies, and the challenges of electronic archiving.
• How state archives ensure government transparency, aid disaster recovery efforts, and help with legal claims.
• The relationship between state archives and the National Archives, including jurisdictional negotiations over historical records.
• CoSA’s transformation from an exclusive 56-member professional organization to a trade association representing entire state archives institutions.
• How CoSA adapted its membership model to sustain the organization’s future, ensure knowledge transfer, and engage a wider professional audience.
• The shift in how CoSA supports its members, including launching a new membership platform to facilitate professional networking and discussions.
• The reimagining of CoSA’s in-person meetings, moving from co-located events to independent, immersive conferences that foster deeper engagement among members.

References:

• CoSA Website