Documents without Borders: For the Culture

Abstract

My frequent focus in these columns trends toward science, technology, mathematics, and engineering because I work as a librarian at a technological university where engineering is by far the largest program on campus. However, the world of international government documents is so much larger than the STEM scope I frequently write within. International agreements, declarations, and international governmental organizations (IGOs) whose mission is to protect and share culture proliferate. Culture, being one of human’s most treasured attributes, is celebrated, researched by scholars and students, and sought out by many for personal enrichment. Outside of organizations/institutions promoting culture in the U.S., like the National Endowment for the Humanities, many of these groups will benefit from international government information sources. In this column, I will discuss a few such organizations and institutions, including United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), world heritage centers, and partner and regional organizations. I will also provide ideas for further exploration.