Gathering the world's jewels

UNESCO and 32 partner institutions will launch the
World Digital Library, a web site that features unique
cultural materials from libraries and archives from
around the world, at UNESCO Headquarters on 21 April.
The site will include manuscripts, maps, rare books, films,
sound recordings, and prints and photographs. It will
provide unrestricted public access, free of charge, to this
material.

The launch will take place at a reception co-hosted by
UNESCO Director-General, Koïchiro Matsuura, and U.S.
Librarian of Congress, James H. Billington. Directors of the
partner institutions will also be on hand to present the
project to ambassadors, ministers, delegates, and special
guests attending the semi-annual meeting of UNESCO’s
Executive Board.


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