What the Fonds! Award

Criteria for Eligibility

The fonds or collection must have been processed and described, and the fonds description posted in Alberta On Record within the 24 months prior to January 1st of the current year.

Nominations will be considered in accordance with the following criteria:

1. Complexity, scope, and innovation in the activities of appraisal, acquisition, processing, description, digitization, and preservation
2. Significance of the records to the local community and/or province of Alberta
3. Records that highlight gaps in the archival record or include underrepresented groups, including but not limited to, BIPOC, people with disabilities, new Canadians, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities, women, economically or socially disadvantaged people or communities, etc.

Submissions:

1. A letter of support from at least one person familiar with the fonds or collection that can speak to the significance of the records may be included.
2. Supporting materials may include the finding aid and/or description, details on preservation and conservation work, and insight on how the records fit into the institution’s holdings.

Administration of the award:

1. The ASA Nominations and Awards Committee will accept nominations until May 1, 2026.
2. Judges cannot consider submissions in which they have participated, or to which they have given substantial direct assistance.
3. Nominations are not required to meet all eligibility criteria, though judges will consider the overall impact of the work based on all eligibility criteria.
4. Judging will be completed before the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the ASA.
5. Awards will be presented at the AGM. Winners may also be announced via other ASA communication channels.
6. One (1) award will be given each year.