Behind every piece of history in the UTA Libraries’ Special Collections is the care and expertise of our archivists. Last week, three members of our team, Erica Rousseau, Kathryn Slover and Evan Spencer, represented UTA Libraries in Anaheim at the Society of American Archivists’ 89th annual meeting, Archives Records 2025: Making It Count, held Aug. 24–27. 

The conference theme, “Making It Count,” highlighted the importance of archivists’ work in shaping what is preserved, how it is accessed and how these decisions impact the communities we serve. With a mix of in-person, virtual and hybrid sessions, the meeting provided a wide range of opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and innovation. 

Over three days, the program featured plenary presentations, committee-led discussions, vendor showcases, and networking sessions designed to address critical issues in the field, including accessibility, community engagement, and the evolving role of archives in a rapidly changing information landscape. 

By engaging with colleagues nationwide, our archivists strengthened their expertise, explored new strategies for managing and promoting collections and brought back fresh insights to enhance our services at UTA Libraries. Their participation underscores our commitment to preserving history in ways that remain meaningful, relevant, and accessible for future generations. 

Please join us in recognizing the important contributions of Erica, Kathryn, and Evan as they continue advancing the Libraries’ mission through their dedication to preserving the past and supporting the needs of our campus and broader community.