B. Lynne Whitfield, Candidate for Regent for Certification Maintenance
What is the role of archival certification in the modern work environment?
ACA’s certification program provides a means for establishing a foundation for all in the profession, while also accounting for the multiplicity of our educational backgrounds, experiences, and skill sets. Creation and maintenance of the certification exam and the recertification process was and continues to be a peer lead venture. ACA is responsive to input and feedback of its membership, and therefore has the flexibility to address any changes or challenges that may arise. In response to Covid-19, ACA pivoted to virtual testing and business meetings, and it removed employment as a qualifying section of the recertification petition starting with the 2022 submission cycle.
The important roles archival certification fulfills today is just as valid as when it first began. It encourages participants to learn about aspects of the profession beyond what they might experience in their regular duties. It rewards research, publication and presentation on archival related topics. It motivates archivists to give back to their profession through voluntary service and leadership. And it recognizes the value of teaching archival domain topics to others, whether in a university setting or in a local community workshop.
The archivist’s role within the modern work environment is a fluid one. We adapt to internal and external influences as necessary. Our day-to-day work environment can change drastically due to any number of factors, such as changes in technology, revised job descriptions that may integrate more “duties as assigned,” or a sudden, unexpected work from home situation arising from a crazy pandemic. Employers can be confident that CAs are well grounded in core archival standards and practices, and that they will continue to pursue educational and professional development opportunities required to maintain their certifications. Additionally, holding certification status can be useful in advocating for professional development funds and for seeking future promotions and/or tenure.
Professional Experience:
University Archivist, Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University: 1999-present
Information Specialist, Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University: 1997-1999
Graduate Research Assistant - Photographs Division, Southwest Collection/Special Collections Library, Texas Tech University: 1996 – 1997
Education:
- MA in Museum Studies, Texas Tech University: 1995
- BA, Art History, Mercer University: 1993
Professional Activities:
- Academy of Certified Archivists: Member, 2004-present; Certification Maintenance Committee member, 2022-2024; Recertification Petition Team member, 2020; and Archivist Certification Exam proctor at the 2006 Society of American Archivist meeting in Washington D.C.
- Society of American Archivists: Harold T. Pinkett Minority Student Award Committee member, 2019-2020.
- Society of Southwest Archivists: Member 2001-present; Annual Meeting Program Committee member, 2022-2023; Executive Board member, 2015-2017; Appointed Executive Board liaison member to the Nominating Committee, 2015-2017; Records Retention Ad Hoc Committee member, 2014-2016; Nominating Committee member, 2012-2014 (served as chair in 2013); and Professional Development Committee member, 2011-2014.
- West Texas Historical Association: Member 1998-present; Associate Director, 2014-present; Nominating Committee (chair all six years), 2012-2018; and website editor, 2004-present.
- Records Management Interagency Coordinating Council (RMICC): University Records Retention Schedule (URRS) Subcommittee [invited member], 2013-2015.
- Lubbock Heritage Society: President, 2023; and Board Member 2011-present.
- Texas Heritage Online, Board Member, 2010-2011.
- Texas Archival Resources Online (TARO): Guidelines Committee, 1999-2002.