Guide to Prevent Thefts and Illegal Trafficking of Documentary Heritage

 What you will find in this resource: 

Thefts and illegal trafficking of documentary heritage can happen everywhere. It may be due to risks in conflict contexts, to insufficient safety measures, to the effects of climate changes or to the growing valuation of documentary heritage in the market. With this guide, ICA Expert Group Against Theft, Trafficking and Tampering (EGATTT) and its partners present guidelines and instructions intended to help archivists, librarians as well as law enforcement services to raise awareness, to protect and to fight against theft and illegal trafficking of documentary heritage. 

This comprehensive resource provides:  

• Practical guidance for archivists, librarians, and law enforcement agencies  

• Tools to strengthen collection security and improve description of vulnerable items  

• Clear procedures for responding to theft or illegal trafficking  

• An overview of international legal frameworks and cooperation mechanisms  

• A digital companion with extended material and links to key institutions  

The guide addresses growing risks, from conflict situations to climate impacts and online markets, and highlights how preventive policies, accurate registration, and cross-sector collaboration are essential to safeguarding the world’s documentary heritage. 

It is available in two formats: an abridged version, a poster giving an overview of the recommendations and handling instructions and an extended version. 

 

Languages: 

• English