MARA Blog
MARA Blog
Students in the MARA program and those interested in archives and preservation, electronic records management, information governance, and related fields are highly encouraged to visit this blog often. Managed by MARA Program Coordinator Darra Hofman and written by a current MARA student, this blog will keep you current with the MARA community and what’s happening in the profession.
Thomas Lee, Ph.D. – MARA Webinar
Thursday, February 5, 12 PM - 1 PM Pacific Time
Published: January 29, 2026 by Darra Hofman
Please join Dr Hofman, MARA Program Coordinator, as she speaks with Dr. Tom Lee about the roles of information governance and internal audit in identifying, calculating, and managing the residual risk of third party breach.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://sjsu.zoom.us/j/89006724428?pwd=HSyhVHZMtaOtGeE0Hr38KbXTR96p6B.1&jst=2
ID: 89006724428
Passcode: 931246
Dr. Thomas Lee
Strategic RIM & IG Workshops You Can Watch Anytime (Gimmal)
On-demand expert discussions covering governance, collaboration, retention strategies, and implementation challenges, no live schedule needed.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 31st, 2025
We’ve made it to the end of the year, and as we close out 2025, Workshop Wednesday is here to bring a bit of inspiration for 2026. Each opportunity we share is a chance to learn something new or build a fresh skill, in the spirit of continuous learning, of course!
Records Management Introduction (SAA Online Webinar)
A practical, 90-minute walkthrough of records management basics — perfect for archivists expanding their scope or teams standardizing practice.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 24th, 2025
Here at the week’s midpoint, Workshop Wednesday brings something useful to explore. Each post features an opportunity designed to support our growth, one step at a time.
Beyond Compliance: The Four Pillars of a Healthy IG Program
Forget siloed retention schedules — modern IG calls for lifecycle integration, regulatory grounding, operational alignment, and historical preservation.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 19th, 2025
Before we head into the weekend, Future Friday gives us a peek at what’s coming down the line for archives and information governance. Think of it as a small moment to daydream about the future—with both feet still on the ground.
Deep-Dive RIM Training from the U.S. National Archives
Free, foundational training videos on key records management topics from the U.S. National Archives - perfect for RIM/IG professionals and students.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 17th, 2025
As we find our rhythm for the week, Workshop Wednesday introduces an opportunity worth considering. Whether it’s a webinar or hands-on session, it’s a good reminder that learning doesn’t have to wait for a quieter season.
AI, Archives, and the Future of Information Governance (Insights from NAGARA 2025)
Lessons from NAGARA 2025 show records pros must lead ethical and practical AI governance, not just support it.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 15th, 2025
As we find our rhythm for the week, Workshop Wednesday introduces an opportunity worth considering. Whether it’s a webinar or hands-on session, it’s a good reminder that learning doesn’t have to wait for a quieter season.
AI Isn’t Coming — It’s Already Reshaping Records & Info Governance
AI is no longer hypothetical — it’s transforming how records are classified, retained, and governed. Here’s what professionals need to internalize now.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 12th, 2025
As we close out the week, Future Friday brings a forward-looking lens to our profession. These posts explore the trends and technologies beginning to influence our work and our thinking. It’s a relaxed way to look toward the horizon before signing off for the weekend.
What Does the Genealogist Want from You? And How to Provide It
Midweek focus: bridging archives and public use.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 10th, 2025
The midweek stretch is a great moment to pause and invest in ourselves. Workshop Wednesday brings forward trainings and workshops that can spark new ideas or deepen our expertise.
This session delves into understanding genealogists as key users of archival records: their expectations, how they search, and how you can facilitate better access while upholding standards and preservation.
Key Details:
Location: Online
Existing and Emerging Trends in Archives and Records
Monday media spotlight: what’s emerging in archives.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 8th, 2025
Mondays can be a lot, so Media Monday offers one clear thing to focus on. Each week, we share a story or resource that brings fresh insight into the work we do. Here’s something meaningful to start things off.
A scholarly article examines both current and emerging standards in archives and records practice, emphasizing that the field continues to evolve rapidly.
Key Points:
The Impact of Big Data on Information Governance
Friday’s forward-look: big data meets IG.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 5th, 2025
Fridays are a good time to step back and look at the bigger picture. Future Friday offers a glimpse into the changes and emerging ideas that may shape our work in the months ahead. Take a moment to see what’s guiding the road forward.
This article explores how organizations are coping with big data volumes, information governance, and the twin demands of value and compliance.
Insight Section:
Webinars & Online Courses for Archives, Libraries & Museums
Mid-week learning opportunity — free and open.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 3rd, 2025
Halfway through the week is the perfect time to check in on our growth. Workshop Wednesday highlights learning opportunities that help us stay connected and keep moving forward.
The Documentary Heritage and Preservation Services for New York (DHPSNY) offers a suite of free webinars and online courses on archival, library, and museum topics; open registration, no cost. This is a strong resource for self-paced or live learning.
Key Details:
Keeping Pace with Emerging Trends in Records & Information Management
Monday’s media pick: major shifts in RIM.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 1st, 2025
As we kick off another week, Media Monday brings a spotlight to a piece of media shaping our profession right now. It’s a simple way to ground ourselves in what’s happening beyond our daily tasks.
A blog post from AccessCorp reviews six key trends affecting records and information management: digital transformation, automation, AI, cybersecurity, data privacy, and remote work.
Key Points:
Keeping Pace with Emerging Trends in Records & Information Management
Monday’s media pick: major shifts in RIM.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, December 1st, 2025
As we kick off another week, Media Monday brings a spotlight to a piece of media shaping our profession right now. It’s a simple way to ground ourselves in what’s happening beyond our daily tasks.
A blog post from AccessCorp reviews six key trends affecting records and information management: digital transformation, automation, AI, cybersecurity, data privacy, and remote work.
Key Points:
Top 10 Data Governance and Compliance Predictions for 2024
Wrapping the week by looking ahead to what’s coming.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 28th, 2025
With the weekend on the horizon, Future Friday is our chance to shift gears and think about what’s next. Each week, we highlight a trend or innovation shaping the future of archives and information governance. Consider it a little inspiration to carry into your Friday.
This article details major predictions in data governance and compliance, including cloud migration, AI impact, data sovereignty, and regulatory shifts.
Insight Section:
Practical Digital Preservation Training for Public Sector & Government
Mid-week skill-builder: digital preservation made practical.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 26th, 2025
We’ve made it to the middle of the week, and Workshop Wednesday is here to bring a bit of inspiration. Each opportunity we share is a chance to learn something new or build a fresh skill.
Hosted by Preservica, this free workshop for the public sector and government gives you actionable steps to preserve born-digital records; upload, metadata, interfaces, and more. Great for expanding your digital-records toolkit.
Key Details:
The Future of Government Agency Records Archiving: What to Expect in the Next 5 to 10 Years
A Monday check-in on what’s ahead for gov’t archives.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 24th, 2025
A new week brings new things to explore, and Media Monday is our chance to dive in. Each post highlights something timely and engaging from across the field. Let’s start the week with something worth thinking about.
This blog post from Smarsh outlines how public-sector records archiving is shifting, with AI, cloud-native platforms, and even blockchain hitting the roadmap.
Key Points:
AI, Archives, and the Future of Information Governance
What AI means for archives and information governance - now.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 21st, 2025
As the week winds down, Future Friday gives us a moment to look ahead. These posts spotlight emerging ideas and developments that hint at where our field is headed. It’s a gentle way to wrap the week with some forward-thinking perspective.
Future Friday: Archives Collection Manager – University of North Texas System
Direct collection strategy and accessibility in a major academic archives setting.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 14th, 2025
The University of North Texas System is hiring an Archives Collection Manager in Denton, TX. This leadership role involves overseeing ArchivesSpace implementations, descriptive standards, and user access workflows. It’s ideal for MARA graduates seeking a role where they shape institutional archival practices and/or lead digital transitions in higher education.
https://careers.untsystem.edu/jobs/archives-collection-manager-denton-texas-united-states?utm
Future Friday: Digitization Program Manager – Rockefeller Archive Center
Lead archival modernization and preservation strategy in a specialized environment.
Published by Andrew Wiegert, November 7th, 2025
The Rockefeller Archive Center seeks a Program Manager for digitization based in the U.S. Candidates will oversee major projects, manage resources, and support equitable access to archival records. This role suits those interested in bridging archival theory, technology, and institutional leadership—excellent for MARA graduates concentrating on preservation or digital archives.
Link:
https://rockarch.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/digitization-program-manager/?utm