MEMORY OF THE WORLD

Since 1992…a UNESCO program to safeguard the world’s documentary heritage … complementing World Heritage Convention, Intangible Heritage and other avenues

MEMORY OF THE WORLD GENERAL GUIDELINES

The rationale and “rule book” – what MoW is, how it works, how it’s structured

Original edition 1995 Current edition 2002 MoW “Companion” in preparation

2.3.1 VISION STATEMENT

The world’s documentary heritage belongs to all, should be fully preserved and protected for all and, with due recognition of cultural mores and practicalities, should be permanently accessible to all without hindrance.

2.3.2 MISSION STATEMENT

To increase awareness and protection of the world’s documentary heritage, and achieve its universal and permanent accessibility

2.4 COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMS

World Heritage ConventionMasterpieces of Intangible

HeritageBlue ShieldOthers…..

2.4 REFERENCE POINTS

Protection in armed conflict Illicit import and export Safeguarding and preservation of moving

images (1980) UN Universal declaration of human rights

(3.4.1) UN Convention on civil and political rights

(3.4.1) UNESCO Charter on the Preservation of the

Digital Heritage (2003)

2.6 DEFINING DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE Moveable Made up of signs/codes, sounds and/or

images Preservable (carriers are non-living) Reproducible and migratable Result from deliberate documenting process Content and carrier

2.6.4 DOCUMENTARY HERITAGE CAN BE.. Single document Group of documents: collection, holding,

fonds But not.. The totality of the records in an archives or

corporate body Because…. MoW registers highly selective

2.8 KEY STRATEGIES OF MOW

1 Identification of documentary heritage

2 Raising awareness 3 Preservation 4 Access 5 Structures, status and relationships

3 PRESERVATION AND ACCESS

3.2 Defining preservation 3.3 Principles of preservation 3.4 Methods and principles for access –

digitised and otherwise 3.6 Publicity and awareness raising

4 THE REGISTERS

International, regional, national Essentially the same criteria – world

significance … but different geographic influence and

effect

4.2 SELECTION CRITERIA

Authenticity Unique, irreplaceable; great impact and

influence (positive or negative) on the course of history

CRITERIA – MEET ONE OR MORE

Time: evocative of its time Place: importance of locality People: social and cultural context Subject and theme: historical or intellectual

developments Form and style: aesthetic, stylistic or

linguistic value Social/ spiritual/ community significance

REGARD GIVEN TO…

Rarity Integrity Threat Management plan

4.3 NOMINATING TO THE REGISTER

From any person or organisation, including governments and NGOs

Priority for nominations made through regional or national MoW committees, and for heritage under threat

Single nominations: two per country every two years (international register only; some discretion)

Joint nominations (two or more countries) - no limit

4.4 LEGAL AND MANAGEMENT PRECONDITIONS Listing has no legal or financial consequence

for owners, custodians, governments – and imposes no obligation on UNESCO

… but implies commitment Legal, management, conservation and

access preconditions Copyright not affected

THE IAC

Overview policy and strategy: “sets the rules”

Monitors progress Receives reports, advises Approves additions to/ deletions from

the Register Responds to heritage under threat Bureau, sub-committees (Technical,

Marketing, Register) Next meeting: Poland, mid-2003

SUBSIDIARY BODIES

The Bureau Register Subcommittee Subcommittee on Technology Marketing Subcommittee

… each has rules and terms of reference ….serviced by MOW Secretariat in Paris

NATIONAL COMMITTEES

Implement key strategies at national level Aim: committee in every country Autonomous, accredited Annual report to their National Commission Model terms of reference Activities include national register

REGIONAL COMMITTEES

Cooperative structures based on geography, shared interests or circumstances

Autonomous, accredited No standard pattern: terms of reference will

vary - 5.8.3 National committees encouraged to link with

regional committee

6 FUNDING AND MARKETING

MoW is encourager, fundraiser, honest broker Active fundraising and support Self-help strategies Use of logo and label Product identification and control

WEBSITE

www.unesco.org/webworld/mdm