The Arizona Archives Summit is an annual workshop sponsored by the Arizona Historical Records Advisory Board (AHRAB) with support from the Arizona Archives Alliance. This event is an opportunity for archivists from all over the state to gather, network, and participate in professional presentations and discussions.
We are excited about this year’s 2026 Arizona Archives Summit, a collaborative conference with the Arizona Library Association (AzLA), to be held at Casino Del Sol in Tucson, October 21st-23rd, 2026. While this is a little out of our usual routine for the Summit, it is a great opportunity to network with our colleagues in the library world and enjoy the large conference experience. It will also be a treat to explore the great city of Tucson!
To register for the conference, please use the AzLA Conference Site: https://azla.org/2026-conference
2026 Arizona Archives Summit – Archives Track Sessions
Day One: Session 3 – How do I become an Archivist?
This session will focus on the educational and experiential requirements for a career as an archivist, whether you are an undergraduate student or considering archives as a new career path.
Day One: Session 4 – Managing archival responsibilities as a Librarian (Archives 101)
This session will be offered each day of the conference and is aimed toward those who work in a library but manage special or local history collections. What is the best way to handle and preserve these items? How can you provide access? What are some guidelines for using these materials in marketing or promotion?
Day Two: Session 5 – Using Archival Materials in Exhibits (physical and digital) Highlights From Indigenous Archival Collections
This session will address ways that archival materials can be used to create digital and physical exhibits. It includes a discussion of digital platforms and options, as well as guidelines for digitization, production of duplicates, and writing labels or captions. There will also be guidance on planning for important anniversaries with various departments within your organization.
Day Two: Session 6 – Managing Political Collections in Arizona
Day Two: Session 7 – Highlights From Indigenous Archival Collections
During this session, we will hear from our colleagues around the state who manage indigenous archival collections. They will provide highlights and give updates on policies, procedures, and implementation of the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials (PNAAM).
Day Two: Session 8 – Doing Reference in Archives: How is it Different?
Use of archival materials starts with a reference request. How are these inquiries different than the questions asked of librarians? How is primary source literacy different from library literacy? May also include a discussion of how to guide collection users in citing primary sources in research.
Day Two: Session 9: Artificial Intelligence in Archives: a discussion
Is there a place for artificial intelligence in archives? This session will be a discussion about how AI is impacting professional workflows and standards.
Day Two: Sessions 10 – Care and Preservation of Archival Materials
This will be a hands-on session, demonstrating how to house (or re-house) archival materials for long-term preservation. The session will include ideas on how to identify and purchase appropriate materials.
Day Three: Session 11 – Community Outreach With Archival Collections
This session will explore ways that archival collections can be used to connect to and highlight local communities through workshops, exhibits, and/or community events. There will also be a discussion of how outreach efforts may attract potential donations to your collections.
Day Three: Session 12: What are corporate archives?
How is the work of an archivist different in a corporate setting? Join a panel of professionals as they discuss the ins and outs of managing collections in an environment with unique challenges and expectations. This session may involve a discussion of the record lifecycle, retention schedules, and working with legal counsel.
Day One: Session 13 – Managing archival responsibilities as a Librarian (Archives 101)
This session will be offered each day of the conference and is aimed toward those who work in a library but manage special or local history collections. What is the best way to handle and preserve these items? How can you provide access? What are some guidelines for using these materials in marketing or promotion?
Day Three: Session 114 – Disaster Preparedness for Archives and Libraries
This session will examine best practices for responding to natural and human disasters that impact our collections. The presentation will include an overview of recommended supplies and preparations.
*Note that the descriptions provided are general suggestions for the focus of the session. Presenters and panelists should feel free to customize the session’s scope.
2025 Summit program:
Links to Summit session recordings are hyperlinked in the programs below. If you have comments or suggestions from a previous Summit, please use this feedback form.
2024 Program:
Previous Summit agendas:
2022 AZ Archives Summit agenda with links to recordings:
Arizona Archives Alliance 
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