A WORD FROM THE EDITOR

TIME TO PASS ON THE TORCH

by Jim Bowman

When I took over the editorship of the Archives Society of Alberta Newsletter early in 1994, I had intended to do it for a two-year term. Because the Editor is in a position to influence opinion on professional matters, I felt that the position should be for a limited term, to allow it to rotate among members.

I have therefore notified the ASA Executive that the December issue of the Newsletter will be my last. Individuals or teams interested in taking over the editorship are invited to contact me, or any other member of the Executive.

Volunteering to be Newsletter Editor has its advantages. Besides the privilege of influencing opinion through editorial writing and the selection and editing of articles, there is satisfaction every time a balanced, creative, useful issue is produced. There is enjoyable interaction with other ASA members, who are mostly pleasant people. The job brings with it a certain amount of prestige, looks good on a résumé, and is appreciated by employers.

The quantity of volunteer work involved is difficult to estimate - perhaps it is about 30 hours per issue. Much of this work can be delegated to other members of the Newsletter Committee, to the Administrative Coordinator, or to the Archives Advisor. The layout, advertising, bookkeeping, mailing list management, and supervision of production are presently handled by the Administrative Coordinator.

Occasionally it is necessary for the Editor to make phone calls or faxes during office hours, so it is helpful to be self-employed or have an understanding employer. Having regular access to email and fax communication is very useful but not essential. Regular access to a computer with word-processing software is essential.

A good editor probably likes to write, has a good grasp of English spelling and grammar, and can write plainly and clearly, in a journalistic style rather than in an academic or bureaucratic style.

The new Editor may choose to appoint the Newsletter Committee, and I would be willing to sit on the Committee for an interim period. The Editor may revise the workplan, objectives, and editorial policy of the Newsletter as he or she sees fit (see the Newsletter Committee report elsewhere in this issue). However, to maintain an image of stability, I would not recommend that the graphic design or the title of the Newsletter be changed.

I have found it fulfilling to serve as your Editor. If you step forward, I'm sure you'll find it fulfilling too.