Seeking Canadian contributions to the World Digital Library
Posted by CLA Govt Library and Info Mgmt Professionals Network on 2012/05/19
The World Digital Library is an initiative supported by UNESCO, in cooperation with a number of major libraries from around the world. The mission of the WDL is to “make available on the Internet, free of charge and in multilingual format, significant primary materials from countries and cultures around the world”. Significant primary materials include manuscripts, maps, rare books, recordings, films, prints, photographs, architectural drawings, and other types of primary sources. The site was launched to the public in April 2009. The project is closely aligned with UNESCO’s Memory of the World program, which is focused on archival collections.
To date, very little Canadian material is available through the WDL. There are currently 17 items identified with Canada in the collection, and none of them were submitted by Canadian institutions (most are from the Library of Congress).
Libraries, archives, museums, and other institutions interested in becoming partners should contact the WDL team. The WDL will work with prospective partners to identify important collections for possible inclusion, survey existing projects and capacities, and develop plans for participation.
