The libraries as world heritage objects: Analysis of UNESCO – IFLA cooperation and identification of gaps in the global and Russian scientific discourse

С. В. Соколов

Submitted by Гость (not verified) on Thu, 06/11/2026 - 16:38

The author offers the complex analysis of libraries as potential world heritage objects under UNESCO programs, as well of the barriers hindering the recognition of this status. He emphasizes the long collaboration between UNESCO and International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) as a key mechanism of libraries integration into the global system of world heritage preservation. The author characterizes the main vectors of this cooperation, namely “Memory of the World”, “Information for All” programs, and UNESCO/PERSIST project, for enhancing sustainability of digital heritage, as well as for protecting cultural values in crises. Based on the critical analysis of foreign and Russian studies, the author concludes on significant conceptual gaps in the scientific discourse. The Atlantocentric approach dominant in foreign publications ignores the possibility for alternative heritage systems, while the Russian studies are terminologically fragmented and focused on applied rather than on strategic aspects. Politicization of initiatives, e. g. Blue Shield, and lacking methodological foundation in joint UNESCO/IFLA documents and nomination criteria for the libraries, in particular, and academic libraries, to be included into the World Heritage List are of no small concern. The study findings evidence that despite the sustainable UNESCO-IFLA cooperation platform, these organizations fail to develop a system approach toward recognition of the libraries as heritage objects which requires new criteria and procedures, with con sideration to alternative systems, e. g. BRICS.

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