1. Memory of the World – Registers and nominations Since 1992…a UNESCO program to safeguard the world’s documentary heritage … complementing World Heritage Convention, Intangible Heritage and other avenues

2. Objectives To facilitate preservation, by the most appropriate techniques To assist universal access To increase awareness worldwide of the existence and significance of documentary heritage ….in other words to change how the documentary heritage, in libraries, archives, museums or other collections, is valued, protected, used and supported by nations, governments, communities

3. What is documentary heritage? UNESCO Memory of the World definition of documents is broad. It includes: Textual items (MSS, books, newspapers etc) Non-textual items (drawings, prints, maps, musical scores etc) Virtual items residing on websites and servers Audiovisual items - analog and digital (films, discs, tapes, photographs, microfilm, CD, DVD computer games)

4. How does it pursue its objectives? Training, information, practical guidance Provide or broker project funding Encourage recognition, protection and public awareness of key documents through a register system: a “shop window” Advocacy, awareness raising and promotion Access through digitisation and products Structure for professional collaboration

5. The register system Registers are not an end in themselves, but a means of recognition, raising awareness, achieving preservation and access objectives National, regional (MOWCAP) and international registers They are NOT a hierarchy Criteria identical: the difference is geographic influence

6. What do you nominate? Does your heritage meet the criteria? Selection criteria relating to authenticity, uniqueness, geographic effect, influence on the course of history …and time, place, people, subject and theme, form and style, social/spiritual/community significance Further information on rarity, integrity, threat and management plan

7. How to nominate? Which register? Download the relevant form Fill in the information: ownership, location, description of document or collection etc Work on it – construct your argument well: you are making a case, and you have to convince at least two committees References and referees Involve your national MOW committee if appropriate Ask for help if you need it 2 year cycle – submit before closing date

8. Rules and process Anyone can nominate anything (within reason! ) Non-competitive: criteria-based Check the process: International, MOWCAP, national all differ slightly More information might be sought Check MOWCAP website www.unesco.mowcap.org and/or General Guidelines at www.unesco.org/webworld/mdm www.unesco.mowcap.orgwww.unesco.org/webworld/mdm

9. Benefits UNESCO recognition is meaningful and prestigious– a global body has made a judgment Leverage support for preservation and access Corrects historical balance and perspective Right to use the logo (rules apply) Publicity (book, website, general publicity) Benefit by association Strategic value

10. Tuol Sleng Museum Archive Cambodia

11. Cinesound Movietone Collection: Australia

12. Diocesan archives: Macau

13. Certificate presentation: Macau

14. Thank you! Ray Edmondson Chair, MOWCAP www.unesco.mowcap.org www.unesco.org/webworld/mdm