Chatting with Colleagues sessions offer an informal, welcoming space for CoSA members to discuss timely topics, share experiences, and learn from one another. These moderated conversations focus on practical issues, emerging trends, and real-world challenges faced across state and territorial archives. Each session provides an opportunity for open dialogue, peer support, and valuable insight from colleagues doing similar work.
Sessions are typically held every other month on the second Wednesday at 3:30 PM Eastern, making it easy to stay connected and engaged throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, ask questions, or explore new approaches, Chatting with Colleagues provides a flexible and engaging way to stay connected with the community. Check out upcoming sessions and join the conversation!
Upcoming Chatting Sessions
Election Year Records Transfers
Wednesday, August 12 | 3:30pm Eastern
Gubernatorial elections will take place in 36 states and 3 territories in November 2026, including elections for term-limited incumbents in 15 states and 2 territories. This means state and territorial archives are preparing for potentially large records transfers from governors, lieutenant governors, cabinet and agency secretary positions, secretaries of state, and attorneys general just to name a few.
In this Chatting with Colleagues session, we will be discussing what steps state and territorial archives are taking to prepare for the potential influx of records transfers. What plans do you have in place? What records do you expect to come in? Have you seen a shift from paper to electronic records in these offices? How fast do you process these records after you receive them? What is the public expectation for access? We welcome staff at any level to bring your questions and experiences regarding these large records transfers. All Chatting sessions are informal and not recorded.