International partners
As an active member of the international archival community, the National Archives of Australia is recognised for its expertise in:
- digital recordkeeping
- archival description and collection management
- online access to archives
- using archives for education, exhibitions, publications and public programs
- preservation and conservation of archival materials
- digital preservation.
The National Archives shares expertise and provide leadership in the fields of archives and records management.
International Council on Archives (ICA)
For many years the National Archives has been an active member of the International Council on Archives (ICA). Currently, we are leading a project of the ICA to develop guidance and training material for the ICA’s Principles and Functional Requirements for Records in Electronic Office Environments (ICA-Req).
ICA Congress – Australia 2012
The National Archives of Australia worked closely with the International Council on Archives to host the ICA Congress in Brisbane, Australia, 20–24 August 2012.
The 17th ICA Congress was held in the southern hemisphere for the first time. It attracted more than 1000 delegates from 95 countries.
The stimulating, informative and constructive event included five days of workshops, business meetings and a professional program that featured pre-eminent international keynote speakers alongside an enviable collection of concurrent papers. The focus was on sharing knowledge and experience and forging strong global partnerships that continue to thrive and produce tangible results over the years following the Congress.
For insights into the ICA Congress 2012:
- view full papers on the ICA Congress 2012 website
- download the program (pdf, 4.7mb)
- follow the Twitter stream on Storify
- view images on Flickr
- view promotional ICA 2012 video.
Forum of National Archivists (FAN)
The Director-General of the Archives attends the Forum of National Archivists each year. The forum (known as FAN) replaces the Round Table on Archives (CITRA) and provides meetings for national archivists to discuss, analyse and develop solutions to shared concerns. FAN last met as part of the ICA Congress 2012.
Memorandum of Understanding with the National Archives of Korea
Mr Ross Gibbs and Mr Park Sang Duk with the Memorandum of Understanding certificate
In May 2009, the National Archives of Australia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Archives of Korea. Under its terms, the National Archives participated in the International Archival Culture Exposition in Seoul in June 2010.
International visits, conferences and other forums
One means by which the National Archives engages with international colleagues is by hosting regular visits by staff of other national archival institutions.
Senior representatives from six national archives, including four national archivists, visited the National Archives in Canberra on 27 and 28 August 2012. The group shared experiences, successes and concerns in areas such as web 2.0 technology, open government initiatives, shared services and legislation.
In turn, National Archives staff are regularly invited to speak at international conferences, and participate in advisory boards and working groups.
Pacific Regional Branch of the ICA (PARBICA)
PARBICA Recordkeeping for Good Governance Toolkit training, Tonga
The National Archives plays an active leadership role in PARBICA, the Pacific Regional Branch of the ICA, by managing its finances, membership and the PARBICA website. PARBICA represents more than 20 Pacific nations, states and territories, including Australia.
Members include:
- government archives
- non-government archival institutions and associations
- individuals.
With the cooperation of AusAID and Archives New Zealand, the National Archives has led the development of the Recordkeeping for Good Governance Toolkit for the Pacific. This Toolkit has also been translated into French for use in French-speaking territories in Africa and the Caribbean.
Staff papers
Our staff members have presented or published papers at various forums:
