Access to archives

In July 2000, the Council of Europe adopted the first intergovernmental standard on archive access policy and practice in Europe. This standard, known as Recommendation No. R (2000) 13, is based on the belief that knowledge of the past constitutes a cultural human right and that, in a democracy, access to authentic archived information helps strengthen cultural identity, diversity and social cohesion. This publication sets out general guidelines for the implementation of archival access policy and practice in line with the Recommendation, as well as giving a summary of current situation across Europe.