The UNESCO Memory of the World (MoW) Programme was established in 1992 in the light of the growing awareness of the importance of the preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage. Around the world collections were suffering a variety of fates: illegal trading, destruction, natural disasters and loss of interest, leaving many at risk of being lost.

Much has happened since the establishment of MoW, but our documentary cultural heritage is still in danger. In 2015 the Recommendation concerning the preservation of, and access to, documentary heritage including in digital form was adopted by UNESCO, giving new momentum to the programme.

The 2015 Recommendation serves as an important tool for advocating for the work of libraries by recognising their role and the need to provide them with the laws and resources necessary to do their j jobs. It can be used as an instrument for putting pressure on Member States to initiate appropriate steps in order to comply with its instructions, and to facilitate its implementation.

Read the IFLA Briefing on the 2015 UNESCO Recommendation on Safeguarding Documentary Cultural Heritage here and learn how to use the Recommendation to advocate for preservation.