Shared language helps to define a community. There is no better way to promote transparency than an understanding of that common language. But language is fluid. Archivists and other information professionals come from different perspectives, institutions, training, and cultural backgrounds all of which contributes to our understanding of our profession's lexicography (words).
The forthcoming
Dictionary of Archives Terminology builds on the
Glossary of Archival and Records Terminology (SAA, 2005) with hundreds of new and revised entries. SAA’s Dictionary Working Group has been building the dictionary behind-the-scenes using the same software as used by the OED. Through a discussion of the latest Word of the Week—
transparency—learn how the group harvests, documents, and defines our lexicography. Maybe even try it out for yourself. Bring all of your questions.
Cannot attend or want to get a head start? See the fruits of our labors each week by subscribing to the Word of the Week at
archivists.org/word-of-the-week. Your feedback is welcome. And, as always, tweet new terms at #SAAwords. We want to hear from you.
