Establishment of IFLA PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania: A Milestone in Library Preservation
Establishment of IFLA PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania: A Milestone in Library Preservation
Table of Contents
Introduction to IFLA Core Programme on Preservation (PAC)
Role of National Libraries in Preservation
Establishment of PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania
Role of the National Diet Library (NDL) in Preservation
Functions and Activities of the PAC Regional Center
CDNLAO and Regional Cooperation in Library Preservation
Conclusion
1. Introduction to IFLA Core Programme on Preservation (PAC)
In 1984, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) introduced major reforms in its global activities by launching six core programmes, including Universal Bibliographic Control (UBC), Universal Availability of Publications (UAP), and the Preservation and Conservation Programme (PAC).
The PAC programme focuses on one urgent global issue: the deterioration of library materials, especially due to acidic paper used in most modern publications.
The main goal of PAC is to:
Promote global preservation awareness
Build an international cooperation network
Share technical knowledge and expertise
Support libraries facing conservation challenges
The programme officially began in 1986 in Vienna and established a global structure consisting of an international focal point and several regional centers.
2. Role of National Libraries in Preservation
National libraries play a central role in preserving cultural heritage. Since they act as legal deposit institutions, they collect and safeguard a nation’s published heritage.
Their responsibilities include:
Maintaining national publications as cultural assets
Leading national preservation policies
Cooperating with archives and museums
Ensuring long-term conservation of materials
Because preservation requires advanced technical knowledge and resources, national libraries are best positioned to coordinate national-level preservation strategies.
3. Establishment of PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania
The idea of creating a PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania emerged during the IFLA Conference in Tokyo (1986), when the National Diet Library (Japan) and the National Library of Australia showed interest in supporting regional preservation efforts.
Later discussions between library leaders and IFLA officials led to a cooperative model:
Two regional centers were proposed:
National Diet Library (Japan) – covering Asia
National Library of Australia – covering Oceania and Asia
Both institutions agreed to:
Work independently
Maintain strong coordination
Avoid competition
Respect regional diversity
After consultation with 40 national libraries, IFLA officially approved both institutions as PAC regional centers.
4. Role of the National Diet Library (NDL) in Preservation
The National Diet Library (NDL) of Japan strengthened its commitment to preservation by creating the Preservation Planning Office in 1986.
This office is responsible for:
Developing national preservation policies
Conducting research on conservation techniques
Coordinating preservation activities nationwide
Organizing training programs and workshops
From 1990 onward, the NDL also planned to:
Host annual preservation symposiums
Provide training materials and videos
Respond to preservation-related inquiries
This made NDL a leading institution in library preservation in Asia.
5. Functions and Activities of the PAC Regional Center
The PAC Regional Center for Asia (NDL) was designed to support libraries across the region through multiple services:
Key Activities Include:
Distribution of International Preservation News
Sharing research papers and conservation materials
Providing audiovisual training resources
Offering advisory and reference services
Maintaining databases on preservation techniques
Organizing workshops and training programs
Strengthening cooperation among Asian libraries
These activities aim to build a strong preservation network across Asia and Oceania.
6. CDNLAO and Regional Cooperation in Library Preservation
The Conference of Directors of National Libraries of Asia and Oceania (CDNLAO) has played an important role in promoting preservation awareness.
Since 1979, CDNLAO meetings have discussed:
Library preservation strategies
Conservation challenges in tropical climates
Regional cooperation models
Although early discussions had limited outcomes, growing international awareness has strengthened collaboration among national libraries.
The PAC Regional Center now works closely with CDNLAO to ensure:
Knowledge sharing
Technical training
Policy coordination
7. Conclusion
The establishment of the IFLA PAC Regional Center for Asia and Oceania marks a major milestone in global library preservation efforts.
By combining the strengths of the National Diet Library and the National Library of Australia, the initiative ensures:
Better preservation of library materials
Strong regional cooperation
Improved access to conservation knowledge
Long-term protection of cultural heritage
This initiative demonstrates how international collaboration can safeguard the world’s documentary heritage for future generations.
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