What is SPA?
The section for Records Management and Archival Professional Assoications (SPA) has existed since 1976 within the International Council on Archives. It works within the ICA's central mission to promote the preservation and use of archives and records around the world through international cooperation. SPA works to represent and promote the interests of associations around the world. It does this through solidarity projects, encouraging collaboration, gathering and disseminating information. Suggestions are welcome from members for new projects and initiatives which will benefit the profession.

Current Projects
Code of ethics: An internationally agreed upon and adopted code for archivists and record managers.

Model Constitution: A draft constitution to help professionals formally establish an association

Directory of Associations: A list of SPA member and non-member associations worldwide, with contact details.

Lobbying guidelines: Advice to associations on how to lobby on behalf of archives and records management services.

Conference Planning Guidelines: Advice to associations on how to organise conferences and meetings, from small seminars to large multi-stranded conferences, locally and globally.

All of these reports are available in English and French while the Code of Ethics is available in multiple languages. You will find the leaflet, Code of Ethics, Annual Reports, reports of the Steering Committee and Annual Delegates Meetings etc. of the Section in the Resource Centre [0]. Please search unsing Section name(SPA) and document type e.g. ‘SPA minutes' or document name ‘code of ethics'

Projects in progress: Projects are run over a four year period, and those underway include:

Guidelines: Certification of archivists and records managers

Archival solidarity: Coordinates assistance and offers expertise to developing countries and those in transition.

Conferences: SPA encourages organisations world-wide to offer conferences on topics of interest to archivists and records managers.

European conference: SPA regularly organises the major European conference on archives in cooperation with the European branch of ICA. Previous conferences include Maastricht 1991, Lancaster 1994, Barcelona 1997, and Florence 2001.

Organisation of SPA:
SPA's work is carried out by a Steering Committee of up to 15 members who are elected by the SPA member associations at the SPA Plenary Assembly during the quadrennial congress of ICA.

How to join SPA:
Contact the international Council on Archives at: ica [at] ica [dot] org  You will find the leaflet, Code of Ethics, Annual Reports, reports of the Steering Committee and Annual Delegates Meetings etc. of the Section in the Resource Centre [0].