Note that the Resources will be updated from time to time. To follow the changes we suggest you subscribe to RSS Feed.
General websites on cultural heritage
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) focuses on the physical, social, cultural and economic revitalisation of communities in the Muslim world. It includes the Aga Khan Award for Architecture, the Aga Khan Historic Cities Programme, the Aga Khan Music Initiative, the on-line resource ArchNet.org and the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The Museums & Exhibitions unit coordinates the development of a number of museum and exhibition projects.
CCAAA provides a shared platform for nine membership- based organisations wishing to co-operate on influencing the development of public policy on issues of importance to professional audiovisual archivists
Publications (books, reports, articles, handouts for training courses) on Cultural Heritage; Culture and Development; Historic Cities: Conservation, Management and Sustainable Human Development; the Urban Environment. Publications compiled, prefaced and/or written by Sylvio S. Mutal with specialized experts.
The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) is the leading international body representing the interests of library and information services and their users. It is the global voice of the library and information profession.
The International Council on Archives (ICA) is dedicated to the effective management of records and the preservation, care and use of the world’s archival heritage through its representation of records and archive professionals across the globe.
ICCROM is an intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage. Its members are individual states which have declared their adhesion to it. It exists to serve the international community as represented by its Member States, which currently number 132.
Over the years, ICOM has evolved in accordance with international museum professionals’ needs worldwide, keeping in mind its main mission. More than 60 years after its creation, the organisation continues to represent the global museum community.
ICOMOS works for the conservation and protection of cultural heritage places. It is the only global non-government organisation of this kind, which is dedicated to promoting the application of theory, methodology, and scientific techniques to the conservation of the architectural and archaeological heritage. Its work is based on the principles enshrined in the 1964 International Charter on the Conservation and Restoration of Monuments and Sites (the Venice Charter).
Founded in 2007 in France at the initiative of Patrick Weil, Libraries Without Borders is today one of the leading NGOs working in knowledge and culture-based development in the world and supporting libraries in developing countries. We believe that access to information and the dissemination of culture are two key—yet under-invested components—of human and economic development, and the spread of democratic practices and human rights.
This Research Guide is intended as a starting point for research in the field of Cultural Heritage. It provides the basic legal materials available in the Peace Palace Library, both in print and electronic format. Handbooks, leading articles, bibliographies, periodicals, serial publications and documents of interest are presented in the Selective Bibliography section. Links to the PPL Catalogue are inserted. The Library’s subject heading (keyword) Cultural Heritage is instrumental for searching through the Catalogue. Special attention is given to our subscriptions on databases, e-journals, e-books and other electronic resources. Finally, this Research Guide features links to relevant websites and other online resources of particular interest.
In 1945, UNESCO was created in order to respond to the firm belief of nations, forged by two world wars in less than a generation, that political and economic agreements are not enough to build a lasting peace. Peace must be established on the basis of humanity’s moral and intellectual solidarity. UNESCO strives to build networks among nations that enable this kind of solidarity.
Today, UNESCO’s message has never been more important. We must create holistic policies that are capable of addressing the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development. This new thinking on sustainable development reaffirms the founding principles of the Organization and enhances its role.
Specific websites on Preservation
As the only national membership organization in the United States dedicated to the preservation of cultural material, the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works plays a crucial role in establishing and upholding professional standards, promoting research and publications, providing educational opportunities, and fostering the exchange of knowledge among conservators, allied professionals, and the public. See especially there webpages on Caring for your treasures and Disaster Response & Recovery
The Blue Shield is the cultural equivalent of the Red Cross. The mission of all involved with Blue Shield is to work for the protection of the world’s cultural heritage. The Blue Shield is the protective emblem specified in the 1954 Hague Convention (Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict) for marking cultural sites to give them protection from attack in the event of armed conflict. The Blue Shield network consists of organizations dealing with museums, archives, audiovisual supports, libraries, as well as monuments and sites.
- Canadian Conservation Institute
CCI Notes deal with topics of interest to those who care for cultural objects. Intended for a broad audience, the Notes offer practical advice about issues and questions related to the care, handling, and storage of cultural objects. Many Notes are illustrated, and provide bibliographies as well as suggestions for contacting suppliers. Written by CCI staff, there are currently over 100 Notes in this ever-expanding series.
CCAHA’s Preservation Resources provide information on a range of preservation topics from assessing priorities, to preparing collections for moving, to emergency preparedness. You’ll find short fact sheets targeted to staff in collecting institutions or others who are involved in collections care activities. Click the link to view or download the PDF.
Conservation OnLine (CoOL) is a freely accessible platform to generate and disseminate vital resources for those working to preserve cultural heritage worldwide. Through the support of the Foundation of the American Institute for Conservation, CoOL is committed to growing and sustaining these resources into the future. As an authoritative and trusted source of information, CoOL serves to foster, convene, and promote collaboration.
During 2013, Historic Royal Palaces are celebrating 100 years of conservation. Here you will find images, video clips and podcasts of our work together with some snappy 100-word stories written by the conservators themselves. Posts will be added regularly to reveal the behind-the-scenes secrets of both past and present projects from their textile, preventive, science and commissioned treatment teams.
- Hornemann Insitut
This German institute publishes several electronic publications in the field of cultural conservation. Get a quick overview by full text search of the available abstracts and brief reports, download the full text or contact the authors for exchange of expert information.
IFLA is pleased to launch a new set of resources relating to libraries and cultural heritage. The new webpages look at the work and support given by libraries to areas experiencing conflict, war, or natural disasters. They highlight the importance of cultural heritage in the continuity of rebuilding and reestablishing a community after disaster strikes. Furthermore they share the work of other organizations working in the field, highlight what IFLA is doing to secure cultural heritage whenever possible, and give you a chance to get involved.
The Image Permanence Institute® (IPI) is a recognized world leader in the development and deployment of sustainable practices for the preservation of images and cultural property. IPI accomplishes this through a balanced program of research, education, products, and services that meet the needs of individuals, companies, and institutions (Mission).
IIC is an independent international organisation supported by individual and institutional members. It serves as a forum for communication among professionals with responsibility for the preservation of cultural heritage. It advances knowledge, practice and standards for the conservation of historic and artistic works through its publications and conferences. It promotes professional excellence and public awareness through its awards and scholarships.
Especially their Resource Centre is interesting as it lists a database on International Humanitarian Law and a very useful Emergency Items Catalogue
Le laboratoire de conservation, restauration et recherches de Draguignan est spécialisé dans la conservation et la restauration des biens culturels. Un travail de qualité, dans un grand nombre d’actions diverses et reconnues, et une grande notoriété au niveau européen. Conservation du patrimoine, Valorisation territoriale, Innovations (videos, articles, colloques, expositions etc).
The portal Euromed Heritage Digital Resources collects in one space the total production of Euromed Heritage since its inception fifteen years ago. Most of the documents, introduced in one common space online for the very first time, are useful and necessary to cultural heritage actors – manuals, books, articles, presentations, technical and educational tools, studies, manuscripts, videos, audio files, etc.
It provides practical, technical guidelines for creating archival digital files for historical photographs, documents, and audio recordings. The site describes methods and workflow for preparing the master files for presentation and covers the use of inexpensive consumer technology as well as more expensive professional technology, addressing the cost benefits of the different levels products. The website is aimed at historical organizations, families, and individuals, and should be particularly useful for anyone working with budget limitations.
Rock Art Studies: A Bibliographic Database is a compilation in progress which was begun in March, 1993. Currently the database contains over 27,000 citations to the world’s rock art literature, with an emphasis on English language and North American citations.
This is the very useful page is on the Publications and Resources. The Getty Conservation Institute is a private, non-profit institution that works internationally to advance conservation practice through research, education, applied field work, and the dissemination of knowledge. The work of the Institute is carried out through four departments: Education, Field Projects, Science, and Communications.
Protecting Our Heritage and Fostering Creativity. In today’s interconnected world, culture’s power to transform societies is clear. Its diverse manifestations – from our cherished historic monuments and museums to traditional practices and contemporary art forms – enrich our everyday lives in countless ways. Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion for communities disrupted by bewildering change and economic instability. Creativity contributes to building open, inclusive and pluralistic societies. Both heritage and creativity lay the foundations for vibrant, innovative and prosperous knowledge societies.
