Susan McKemmish

Professional Summary: Professor Susan McKemmish

Professor Susan McKemmish is a distinguished academic at Monash University, Australia, renowned for her pioneering contributions to the field of archival science and information management. With a career spanning several decades, she has significantly influenced the development of recordkeeping frameworks and archival theory, particularly in the digital age. Her work bridges academic research with practical applications, shaping policies and practices globally.

Academic Background and Degrees

Professor McKemmish holds advanced qualifications in archival science and related disciplines, equipping her with a robust foundation for her academic and research endeavors:

• PhD in Archival Science, Monash University
• Master of Arts, University of Melbourne
• Bachelor of Arts (Honours), University of Melbourne

Research Specializations and Academic Interests

Professor McKemmish specializes in archival science, with a focus on recordkeeping in digital environments, archives as evidence, and the role of archives in memory and identity. Her research interests include:

• Digital recordkeeping and preservation
• Archival theory and systems
• Information governance and policy
• Community archiving and cultural heritage

Career History and Appointments

Professor McKemmish has held numerous prestigious positions at Monash University and contributed to the academic community through various roles:

• Professor, School of Information Management Systems, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University
• Chair of Archival Systems, Monash University
• Director, Monash University Centre for Organisational and Social Informatics (COSI)

Major Awards, Fellowships, and Honors

Her contributions to archival science and information management have been widely recognized through numerous accolades:

• Fellow, Australian Society of Archivists
• Recipient, Emmett Leahy Award for Outstanding Contributions to Records and Information Management (2008)
• Monash University Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Postgraduate Supervision

Key Publications

Professor McKemmish has authored and co-authored seminal works that have shaped the discourse in archival science and recordkeeping:

• Archives: Recordkeeping in Society (2005, co-edited with Michael Piggott, Barbara Reed, and Frank Upward)
• Research in the Archival Multiverse (2016, co-edited with Anne J. Gilliland and Andrew J. Lau)
• Numerous articles in journals such as Archival Science and Records Management Journal, including 'Recordkeeping in the Digital Age' (1999)

Influence and Impact on Academic Field

Professor McKemmish is a leading figure in the international archival community, particularly known for her development of the Records Continuum Model, a conceptual framework that has redefined how records are understood and managed across time and space. Her work has influenced national and international standards for recordkeeping, including contributions to ISO standards. She has also mentored numerous postgraduate students and early-career researchers, fostering the next generation of archival scholars.

Public Lectures, Committees, and Editorial Contributions

Professor McKemmish has played an active role in advancing her field through public engagement and leadership:

• Keynote speaker at international conferences such as the International Council on Archives (ICA) Congress
• Member, Australian Society of Archivists
• Editorial board member for journals including Archival Science
• Contributor to policy development for archival and recordkeeping practices in Australia and internationally