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!

Our Membership Benefits Explained


NAGARA Webinar Series

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 90 webinars to date, and new webinars are constantly being added to the schedule. Non-members pay $39.00/each webinar.

NAGARA offers fundamental webinars on a near monthly basis, and 201-level webinars every other month. These 201-level "deeper dive" presentations have proven to be a big hit among more seasoned professionals.

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!

CommunityChat Forums

NAGARA's CommunityChat Forums


The NAGARA CommunityChat Forums are the Association's members-only network for collaboration and discussion on topics of interest to Government Archivists and Records Managers. 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, providing ways for them to connect, engage, and share critical information and best practices with each other in real time.

Annual Conferences

NAGARA Annual Conferences


NAGARA Annual Conferences are held in the month of July, contain 25+ learning sessions, pre-conference workshop offerings, an exhibit hall full of industry solution providers, exciting and entertaining evening networking receptions, 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 $150.00 on their conference registration to these premiere government archives and records management events. SAVE THE DATE and JOIN US us in Cincinnati Ohio July 18 - 21, 2023!

Learn more about the 2023 NAGARA Annual Conference.

Virtual Events

Seasonal Online Forums (Virtual Events)


In tandem with the NAGARA Webinar Series, NAGARA offers members highly-discounted registrations to their popular Online Forums right from the comfort of their own home or office. We've held 11 Online Forums amounting to over 60 sessions to date.

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 quarterly opportunities to receive valuable professional development without having to travel anywhere.

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

Non-members pay $119.00 to attend these events, while NAGARA members receive a steep 60% discount, paying just $49.00 for an entire full-day of learning!

Resource Library

The NAGARA Resource Library


The NAGARA Resource Library provides members of the association with 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 - compiled by volunteer members - help you successfully perform your important work.

 Content categories currently housed within the NAGARA Resource Library are based on the nine GARA Certificate Core Competency Areas of 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.

You can also search the NAGARA Resource Library both by type of resource, such as Articles & Publications, Funding Sources, Guidance & Best Practices, Organizational Websites, Sample Forms, and Webinars & Presentations.

GARA Certificate Program

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 may 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.

 Over 100 association members have earned this certificate in the past 5 years!

Jobs Board

& Member News

Jobs Board and Member News


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

Since its inception, the NAGARA Jobs Board has hosted 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 each quarter via the NAGARA newsletter. 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 is currently offering 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!