Memory of the World Programme
Memory of the World Programme
1.1 Memory of the World can be described as the collective memory of the peoples of the world: it is of vital importance in preserving cultural identities and plays an essential role in shaping the future. The documentary heritage residing in libraries and archives throughout the world constitutes a major portion of the memory of the world - and much of it is currently at risk. The documentary heritage of many peoples is often dispersed as a result of accidental or deliberate displacement of holdings and collections. In some cases, barriers hinder access to parts of the world's documentary heritage and, in other cases, documentary heritage is at risk of disappearing owing to its fragile condition. UNESCO recognized that action was required to ensure that this memory was not lost and in 1992, it established the Memory of the World Programme.
1.2 The UNESCO Memory of the World Programme is aimed at safeguarding the world's documentary heritage, democratizing access to it, and raising awareness of its significance and of the need to preserve it. The objectives of the Programme, which are complementary and of equal importance, are:
1.3 Documentary heritage represents a large proportion of the world's cultural heritage. In common with natural and cultural sites, documentary heritage is subject to deterioration and destruction and is even more fragile. Composed mostly of natural or synthetic organic materials which are subject to chemical instability and breakdown, documentary heritage is continually in danger of irreparable damage. This can occur through natural calamities, such as flood and fire; through man-made disasters such as accident or war; and through gradual deterioration, which is often the result of human ignorance or omission in providing basic care, housing and protection. In the case of documentary heritage which exists in an electronic format, loss often results from technical obsolescence.
1.4 There is increasing awareness that documentary heritage is often inappropriately housed, in conditions which will lead to its destruction. This has generated a sense of urgency. For much documentary heritage, preservation will be implemented almost at the last moment, before it disappears forever. In Eastern and Central Europe, for example, it is estimated that between 70 and 80 per cent of documentary heritage is in urgent need of preservation.
1.5 The Memory of the World Programme will identify documentary heritage of international, regional, and national significance. It will establish and maintain lists of all material identified as comprising part of the Memory of the World and will make available a Memory of the World logo to be associated with this documentary heritage.
1.6 The Memory of the World Programme will initiate vigorous awareness raising campaigns to alert governments, members of the public, and the business and commercial sectors of the importance of documentary heritage and the need to preserve it.
1.7 Limited funds will be available from UNESCO to support specific projects aimed at preserving and providing access to Memory of the World documentary heritage which is most endangered. Considerable effort will be devoted to obtaining sponsors for additional Memory of the World projects.
1.8 The greatly enhanced access opportunities provided by digital technologies stimulate the development of a range of products such as CD-ROMs, digital tapes and audio CDs. These products will play an important role in providing increased access to documentary heritage. However, owing to uncertainties about their long term survival, these techniques will not generally be used as the sole preservation method.
1.9 The Memory of the World Programme requires significant interest and support from commercial companies, foundations and other sponsors for it to be a success. The Programme will explore a number of marketing possibilities.
1.10 The Memory of the World Programme is a truly international undertaking. Its structure includes an International Advisory Committee, a Secretariat and Regional and National Committees.
1.11 The partners in the Programme include experts, users, professional bodies, governments, public and private organizations and institutions who agree to collaborate on projects and activities. Companies and firms providing technical and financial assistance are also Programme partners.
1.12 Only through concerted efforts by all countries will the memory of the world enshrined in documentary heritage be retained in a condition which will enable it to be accessed by as many people as possible and passed on to future generations.
1.13 Once the Programme has achieved a high status and is operating successfully with significant international support, a possible future outcome might be eventually an international convention to protect documentary heritage, on lines similar to the UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
