Announcements

In light of recent developments with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are disappointed to announce that the 2022 Archives Association of Ontario annual conference will shift from a live event to a virtual one. It appears that this conference year's theme, These Are Unprecedented Times, once again proves true.

While we sincerely wished for a return to a conventional conference setting, the AAO Board and the conference committee is prioritizing everyone's health and safety.

Moving to a virtual conference for 2022 does have some silver linings:

• Last year's conference is a great model to follow. We are confident that the 2022 conference will match its success.
• In a year when budgets may be extra lean a virtual conference may be more accessible
• We hope and anticipate that a virtual format will inspire more people to submit to the Call For Papers.

To recap the details, the 2022 Annual Conference will be May 25 to 27, 2022.

Theme: These Are Unprecedented Times: How Archives and Archivists Changed, Struggled and Thrived Through Challenging Periods

How often have we heard the phrase, "these are unprecedented times" over the past couple of years? Regardless of the era, archives and archivists need to adapt and respond professionally and resourcefully in times of disruption and change.

The Conference Program Committee invites proposals for examinations on this general topic in past, present and future contexts.

Potential subjects for consideration include:

• Changes to archival work through and post the COVID-19 pandemic or other major upheavals – practical and theoretical;
• Addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession and in our collections;
• Responding to key movements such as Black Lives Matter, Truth and Reconciliation, etc.;
• Developing better connections and engagement with known and new research communities;
• Straddling the demands of rapid digital advances and the spectre of technological obsolescence;
• Other subjects will be considered.

Submissions of proposals for complete sessions or individual papers are welcomed. Proposals should consist of a brief abstract of approximately 250 words, a mini bio, and your institutional affiliation. Submissions should be sent to:

The AAO Office at aao@aao-archivists.ca

The due date of applications/submissions is January 7, 2022.

Sessions may take the form of a:

• Traditional session - 2 to 3 presentations of 20 minutes per speaker with questions to follow
• Discussion panel - brief presentations of approximately 10-15 minutes per speaker with discussion to follow
• Roundtable or structured conversation - presentations of 5 to 7 minutes with an open discussion between speakers
• Creative and innovative approach to presentations - 1 hour, 15 min

Have a safe and happy holiday season,

On behalf of the 2022 Conference Program Committee and AAO Board of Directors