It changed names twice in 1980, first to the Area Archivists Alliance and later to the Kansas City Area Archivists. The organization's membership is drawn from an area extending approximately 60 miles around Kansas City including Topeka, Kansas and Columbia, Missouri. The purpose of KCAA is to further understanding and cooperation among archival organizations, to exchange information, and to render assistance wherever possible.
Cooperation is facilitated through educational tours of member facilities.
One of the first KCAA projects was the compilation and publication of a directory of area archival repositories. Later accomplishments include publication of a disaster planning manual and membership directory. A conservation manual was compiled for local historical agencies, libraries, and museums. Several symposiums have been held covering a wide range of topics including photograph conservation, marketing historical agencies, use of computers, and how to organize, plan, and implement oral history projects. These records consist of the official articles of incorporation for the organization, constitution and bylaws, financial records, correspondence, and minutes and proceedings.