The libraries as world heritage objects: Analysis of practices and the strategies for nominating Russian library institutions
https://doi.org/10.33186/1027-3689-2026-7-15-32
Abstract
The author examines the problems of representation of libraries as objects on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List. Based on the extant practice analysis, he identifies 39 objects where the libraries make part of architectural and/or historical complex, and points to successful typologies and recognition criteria. The author develops the targeted nomination strategies for Russian library institutions. He argues, in particular, that the RNPLS&T meets several UNESCO criteria, e. g. unique library technologies and prominent architectural and functional organization. The Fundamental Library of the Russian Academy of Sciences Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences (INION) is proposed to be nominated as a threatened cultural heritage which would provide world recognition of its scientific authority and mobilize efforts for collections preservation. In the context of revealed UNESCO imbalance with unproportional small share of objects in BRICS countries, the author proposes the argument that polycentric systems for cultural heritage recognition have to be built to eliminate western centrism of the criteria and to support fair representation of the global cultural heritage.
About the Author
S. V. Sokolov
Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences, Russian Academy of Sciences
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Sergey V. Sokolov - Head, Library Studies
Moscow
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Review
For citations:
Sokolov S.V. The libraries as world heritage objects: Analysis of practices and the strategies for nominating Russian library institutions. Scientific and Technical Libraries. 2026;1(7):15-32. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.33186/1027-3689-2026-7-15-32
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