UN and US to create global digital library

UNESCO and the US Library of Congress are teaming up to create a global digital library.

The searchable World Digital Library will hold digital versions of rare or specialized documents - such as manuscripts, maps, books, films, and photographs - and allow free access via the internet.

"We look forward to continuing and deepening our collaboration with UNESCO, and to working with the Organisation and its staff to ensure that libraries, archives, and museums from around the world join with us in making their cultural treasures accessible online," said Congress librarian James Billington.

The prototype, developed by the Library of Congress and five other international libraries, will be shown to delegates at UNESCO's general conference this week. The system is currently available in the UN's six official languages - Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish - as well as Portuguese.

Aside from just building the library, the project is looking to build internet access in developing countries, in order to ensure all nations can take part. "Libraries are key actors for ensuring universal access to information and building knowledge societies," said UNESCO director-general Kochiro Matsuura. "We are very pleased to build on the excellent partnership that we have long enjoyed with the Library of Congress to work in innovative ways to preserve and make accessible the memory of the world."