2025-2026 UAC Retrospective
Overview of Accomplishments
During the 2025-2026 term the User Advisory Council continued operations effectively. Sub-teams presented at monthly meetings on their contributions, challenges and work progress. New ArchivesSpace staff introductions, ArchivesSpace Program updates, an Interoperability Project presentation and / or Module discussions were held during monthly meetings, encouraging community sharing and off-council interactions among members. The Council held three joint meetings with the Technical Advisory Council: a New Member Orientation in July 2025 and February 2026 that included Governance Board updates and sub-teams workplan presentations or work updates. There was one resignation and five members rotated off in June 2026. Seven new members will be added in the next term. Transition planning between outgoing and incoming UAC chair and vice-chair was held in collaboration with TAC.
What Went Well
Several initiatives toward collaboration between sub-teams and with the ArchivesSpace community informed the sub-teams work with improved outcomes.
Conversations about modules to learn how others are using ASpace encouraged creativity as well as off-council collaboration and facilitated opportunities to connect with other members.
Closer collaboration with ArchivesSpace staff was also a valuable experience:
● Martha Tenney helped support for sub-teams work and provided additional information need to do their work.
● Updates from Maggie and Jessica provided context and insight on how the application works and how decisions are made.
● Brian Zelip was helpful for the Usability sub-team.
Support from ASpace staff was helpful to all subteams
What Can Be Improved
Be better prepared to provide updates from sub-teams when Leads are not part of UAC by assigning a representative who will coordinate with Leads and deliver update during meetings.
There was initial confusion about how to communicate with cross-council teams updates and whether there is a closer affiliation of either team with UAC or TAC. It was determined that not making any distinction was preferable and include both cross-council teams in all updates equally.
Ideas for Next Term
Look into changing order for roll call & ice breakers in every meeting instead of always keeping the same order.
Consider ways to incorporate community feedback into what is discussed in meetings.
Look into breakout rooms for closer collaboration in smaller numbers when appropriate.
Consider ways to tie in open tickets related to specific modules or into work being done by sub-teams.
Consider making the final retrospective meeting a joint meeting: something for the new chairs to evaluate.
Leadership assignments for next term
UAC
Chair: Heather Lember
Vice-Chair: Kelly Kress