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. Scanning and File Enhancement
    Trained Library staff conduct scanning using advanced equipment to capture high-resolution images. The scanned files are then enhanced to ensure readability and clarity. Each step is recorded, and all files are stored in designated folders, allowing for streamlined access and processing.
  4. Metadata Creation
    Basic metadata, including title, date, and document type, is created for each document to facilitate efficient retrieval and detailed search capabilities in the digital archive.
  5. Quality Check and Upload
    Each scanned document undergoes a quality review before finalization to meet the library¡¯s standards. Approved files are then uploaded to the Official Document System (ODS) and the United Nations Digital Library (UNDL), ensuring that each document is freely available for global public access.

Equipment & Technology

The Dag Hammarskj?ld Library (DHL) utilizes advanced equipment to ensure efficient and high-quality digitalization of UN documents. The library regularly evaluates its needs and upgrades its tools to meet project demands.

  • Book Scanners: Two Bookeye 4 and two Bookeye 5 scanners for high-resolution document scanning.
  • Microfiche Scanner: A Mekel MACH VII scanner for precise digitalization of microfiche collections.
  • Robotic Scanner: A Robo Scan V.2 for automated, high-volume scanning.

This specialized equipment enables DHL to preserve and provide global access to the United Nations' valuable historical records.