Membership Benefits

NAGARA is a member-centered organization dedicated to providing support, resources, professional development, and networking opportunities for government records managers, archivists, and information professionals.

Our goal is to address the pressing issues and challenges of government records management in a practical and effective manner. As government adapts to changing societal and economic conditions, the management of records and information resources has become increasingly complex. NAGARA is dedicated to providing our members with the tools, knowledge and guidance needed to meet these challenges, and stay current on industry trends.

In the era of electronic records and the fast-paced changes in technology, NAGARA is the go-to organization for professionals in the field. We are committed to helping government records managers and archivists navigate the complex landscape of managing government records and information, with skill, dedication, and understanding. We invite you to JOIN our growing ranks today!


The NAGARA Webinar Series


The NAGARA Webinar Series has been providing members of the association free access to online professional development opportunities from the comfort of their own home or office since 2016. We've offered over 100 webinars to date, and new webinars are constantly being added to the schedule. For non-members, the cost to enjoy a webinar is just $39.00/each.

NAGARA offers webinars on a monthly basis, and often times schedules two webinars a month!

Did you miss a past webinar? Are you unable to attend one of the currently scheduled offerings? Not to worry! The NAGARA Webinar Archive provides you with access to all of our recorded webinars 24 hours a day 7 days a week. So grab a bag of popcorn (or a pencil and paper), and enjoy!

NAGARA's CommunityChat Forums


The NAGARA CommunityChat Forums is the Association's members-only network for collaboration and discussion on topics of interest to Government Archivists, Records Managers, and information professionals. Through the Forums, NAGARA members can communicate their concerns, questions, successes and insights with their fellow colleagues on nearly any topic relevant to the group. CommunityChat is divided into three main categories: General Forums, Affinity Groups, and User Groups.

CommunityChat is yet another way NAGARA supports our members by providing ways for them to connect, engage, and share critical information and best practices with each other in real time.

NAGARA Annual Conferences


NAGARA's Annual Conferences are held in the month of July, contain 30+ learning sessions, pre-conference workshop offerings, an exhibit hall full of industry solution providers, exciting and entertaining evening networking receptions, meals, and much much more.

NAGARA prides itself on offering affordable pricing to Annual Conference attendees. We understand the budget of government offices and employees. Thus, active members of NAGARA save nearly $200.00 on their conference registration to these premiere government archives and records management events. SAVE THE DATE and JOIN US us in Atlanta, Georgia July 16 - 19, 2024 for our 40th Anniversary Celebration!

Click here to learn more about the 2024 NAGARA Annual Conference.


Online Forums (mini one-day like conferences)


NAGARA offers members highly-discounted registrations to their annual Online Forums right from the comfort of their own home or office. We've held 12 Online Forums over the years, consisting of nearly 70 sessions.

Attendees of these one-day virtual events get the chance to learn from various expert speakers by participating in several learning sessions themed around salient topics of the day. Almost like mini-conferences, these events provide NAGARA members annual opportunities to receive valuable professional development without having to travel anywhere.

Registrants of these one-day events can also obtain certification maintenance credits and points from ICRM, ACA, and ARMA International, and can accrue GARA certificate study hours as well!

Members pay just $49.00 an entire day of learning, while non-members pay just $149.00 to enjoy!

Click here to learn more about the 2024 Spring Online Forum: Data Detox.


The NAGARA Resource Library


The NAGARA Resource Library provides active members access to an ever-growing collection of valuable resources intended to benefit and support government archivists and records managers at all levels of government. Our hope is that these resources help you successfully perform your important work.

Content in the library is categorized according to the nine GARA Certificate Core Competency Areas: Advocacy & Outreach, Archives & Long-term Preservation, Disaster Preparedness & Business Continuity, Electronic Records & Information Management, Emerging Technologies, Legal & Compliance Issues, Physical Storage & Environments, Records & Information Management Basics, and Retention & Disposition.


The GARA Certificate Program


The Government Archives and Records Management (GARA) Certificate Program was created by NAGARA to recognize government officials' achievements in obtaining a knowledge base to help them more effectively care for and manage their records.

 Only members of NAGARA are eligible to apply to receive the GARA Certificate, which has proven to be a hit among supervisors and managers by helping their employees set and achieve professional development goals.

The certificate recognizes the completion of 40 Study Hours of approved archives and records management subjects, or "competencies," within a 5-year period. The certificate does not expire, and earning it is affordable and achievable. NAGARA recognizes certificate recipients in our monthly e-mail blasts and during the Annual Awards Luncheon held as part of the Annual Conference each year.


Jobs Board and Member News


The NAGARA Jobs Board allows members to both post for free and view available employment openings in the profession, while Member News provides a venue for members to share information and announcements about their organization with other members on the website.

Since its inception, the NAGARA Jobs Board has advertised hundreds of job openings ranging from junior to senior level positions across the county. While the Jobs Board is always accessible for viewing 24 hours a day 7 days a week, NAGARA also pushes out job announcements to less pro-active job seekers in our monthly e-mail blasts. The Member News section has been widely used by members to highlight the valuable work their organization is doing to a more national audience.


Interesting in Joining?

NAGARA offers low-cost Individual, Student/Retired, and Organizational Memberships. Prices vary depending on your desired membership level. Click below to learn which option is best for you and JOIN US today!

JOIN NAGARA NOW!