The Conference will bring together specialists in preservation and in access techniques and policies to discuss new trends in preserving and disseminating archives and library heritage materials. Librarians, archivists, including sound and film archivists, historians, publishers, multimedia experts and scientists from all over the world are invited to participate. The first objective of the Programme is to ensure the preservation, by the most appropriate means, of documentary heritage which has world significance and to encourage the preservation of documentary heritage which has national and regional significance. A twin objective is making this heritage accessible to as many people as possible, using the most appropriate technology, both inside and outside the countries in which it is physically located. Preservation of the documentary heritage and increased access to it complement one another.
Access facilitates protection and preservation ensures access.
For example, digitized materials can be accessed by many people and demand for access can stimulate preservation work. Another element of the Programme is to raise awareness in the Member States of their documentary heritage, in particular aspects of that heritage which are significant in terms of a common world memory. Finally, the Programme seeks to develop products based on this documentary heritage and make them available for wide distribution, while ensuring that the originals are maintained in the best possible conditions of conservation and security. High quality text, sound and image banks could be compiled and made available on local and global networks and reproductions could be derived in all sorts of forms such as compact discs, albums, books, postcards, microfilms, etc. Any proceeds from the sale of related products will then be ploughed back into the Programme.