The Dag Hammarskj?ld Library¡¯s digitalization initiative preserves and enhances access to the United Nations' documentary history, providing cost-free and easy access to a valuable resource for global audiences. Established in 1998 following General Assembly resolution 52/214, this initiative digitalizes UN documents published from 1946 to 1993 in the United Nations¡¯ six official languages. By 2024, over 7.8 million pages of significant UN parliamentary and normative documents and 3,000 maps have been digitalized, with an additional 12.64 million pages planned for future digitalization.

This careful digitalization process includes preparing, scanning, and enhancing documents, followed by metadata creation for searchability and accessibility. These collections, accessible on the Official Document System (ODS) and the UN Digital Library (UNDL), provide insights into UN initiatives on peace, security, human rights, climate, and development, supporting continued research and historical exploration.

Roadmap & Progress

The Dag Hammarskj?ld Library¡¯s digitalization roadmap outlines a strategic approach to making valuable UN documents universally accessible in all United Nations official languages, as General Assembly Resolution emphasized. Guided by a phased approach, the roadmap prioritizes digitalizing crucial historical records, including resolutions, meeting records, reports from major UN bodies, and preparatory conference documents.

The roadmap focuses on:

  1. Prioritizing Key Documents: Focusing on documents with significant historical and operational value.
  2. Phased Implementation: Systematically digitizing and uploading these documents, emphasizing quality and efficiency.
  3. Quality Assurance: Ensuring the integrity and sustainability of digital files through rigorous standards in preservation.
  4. Global Accessibility: Maximizing the accessibility and reach of digitized content by engaging with global audiences and providing free access on platforms such as the Official Document System (ODS) and the UN Digital Library (UNDL).

This roadmap supports the UN¡¯s commitment to preserving its documentary history and providing users worldwide access to comprehensive resources on the UN¡¯s work in global peace, security, development, and human rights.

Workflow

The UN Library's digitalization process involves thorough planning and a structured, multi-step workflow to create high-quality, accessible digital records. Here is an overview of the workflow used to transform historical documents into fully accessible digital formats:

 

  1. Document Series Identification and Prioritization
    The digitalization process begins with identifying document series based on content, type, user needs, issue date range, and languages. This approach enables the library to structure the workflow strategically, meeting organizational goals and efficiently fulfilling archival and client research needs.
  2. Preparation and Material Handling
    Once prioritized, physical documents¡ªwhether in hard copy or microfiche format¡ªare carefully prepared for scanning. All materials are logged in a centralized record that tracks each document¡¯s progress through the digitalization workflow.
  3. Scan