The Australian Society of Archivists was formed in 1975. Prior to the establishment of the ASA, an Archives Section of the Library Association of Australia had operated since 1951. From 1955 the activities of the Archives Section included the provision of the journal, Archives and Manuscripts. Attempts to establish an archives association included the formation of a Steering Committee in 1958 to investigate and promote an Australian association of archivists, and the Steering Committee formed in 1974 to investigate forming the ASA. At the inaugural meeting of the Society held at the Australian National University in April 1975, a constitution was adopted, provision was made for professional, associate and institutional members, and a council was elected.