Greek National Library Joins Prestigious ICCROM “Our Collections Matter” Program as a National Node
Tokyo, Japan – July 2, 2025 – The Greek National Library has taken a significant step in enhancing the preservation and restoration of its invaluable cultural heritage by becoming a National Node for the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property’s (ICCROM) “Our Collections Matter” program. This announcement, made today by the Current Awareness Portal (カレントアウェアネス・ポータル), highlights Greece’s commitment to safeguarding its rich history for future generations.
What is ICCROM and the “Our Collections Matter” Program?
ICCROM is a leading intergovernmental organization dedicated to the conservation of cultural heritage. It works to improve the quality of conservation and restoration activities worldwide through training, research, cooperation, and the dissemination of information.
The “Our Collections Matter” program is a vital initiative by ICCROM designed to empower institutions globally to assess, manage, and protect their collections effectively. It provides a structured framework and practical tools for understanding the specific needs and risks faced by cultural heritage. By establishing National Nodes, ICCROM aims to create a decentralized network of expertise, fostering local capacity building and facilitating knowledge exchange within countries and across regions.
Why is this a Big Deal for the Greek National Library?
The Greek National Library is home to an extraordinary collection, encompassing ancient manuscripts, rare books, historical documents, and a vast array of materials that tell the story of Greece’s enduring cultural legacy. These collections are not only of national importance but hold global significance.
By participating as a National Node in the “Our Collections Matter” program, the Greek National Library will gain access to:
- Expert Guidance and Training: The program offers specialized training for staff in areas such as risk assessment, disaster preparedness, collection management, and conservation techniques tailored to the specific needs of diverse collections.
- International Best Practices: The Library will be at the forefront of adopting and implementing internationally recognized standards and methodologies for heritage preservation.
- Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: As a National Node, the Library will play a crucial role in disseminating this knowledge and fostering collaboration with other cultural institutions within Greece, as well as connecting with a global network of heritage professionals through ICCROM.
- Enhanced Capacity for Risk Management: The program will equip the Library with the tools and knowledge to identify potential threats to its collections, from environmental factors and natural disasters to human-induced risks, and to develop effective mitigation strategies.
- Strengthened Preservation and Restoration Efforts: The ultimate goal is to ensure the long-term survival and accessibility of the Greek National Library’s collections, enabling future generations to study and appreciate this vital heritage.
What Does This Mean for Greece?
The Greek National Library’s role as a National Node signifies a broader commitment to cultural heritage preservation within the nation. It positions Greece as a key player in ICCROM’s global network, fostering a more robust and coordinated approach to safeguarding cultural assets across the country. This initiative will likely encourage other Greek institutions to engage with ICCROM’s programs and to prioritize the preservation of their own unique collections.
Looking Ahead
The participation of the Greek National Library in the “Our Collections Matter” program is a testament to its dedication to safeguarding its unparalleled cultural heritage. This collaboration with ICCROM is expected to yield significant advancements in the preservation and restoration practices employed by the Library, ultimately ensuring that the stories and knowledge contained within its vast collections endure for centuries to come.
This development underscores the growing global recognition of the importance of heritage preservation and the collaborative efforts needed to achieve it. The Greek National Library’s new role as a National Node is a positive and forward-looking step that will undoubtedly benefit both Greece and the international heritage community.
ギリシャ国立図書館、文化財保存修復研究国際センター（ICCROM）の“Our Collections Matter”プログラムにナショナル・ノードとして参加
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At 2025-07-02 08:11, ‘ギリシャ国立図書館、文化財保存修復研究国際センター（ICCROM）の“Our Collections Matter”プログラムにナショナル・ノードとして参加’ was published according to カレントアウェアネス・ポータル. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.