Training has commenced in Baghdad under the project Preservation of Libraries and Archives in Iraq: Building Capacity for Preventive Conservation, implemented by HERITΛGE in partnership with The Academic Research Institute in Iraq (TARII) and the National Library and Archives of Iraq, with the support of the U.S. Embassy in Iraq.

A two-week specialised training course in document and archive preservation and management is currently underway at the National Library of Iraq. The training aims to strengthen the scientific and professional capacities of librarians and archivists, with a particular focus on preventive conservation and internationally recognised standards for the care and management of documentary heritage.

The course is delivered by an international team of experts, led by HERITΛGE’s Nicholas Saris and Maja Kominko. Through a combination of lectures and applied training, participants are introduced to practical conservation methodologies adapted to the Iraqi context.

Beyond technical training, the programme places strong emphasis on sustainability and institutional empowerment. Participants will develop and implement preservation projects within their respective institutions, supported by mentoring from the project team. The initiative also seeks to foster a national professional network, facilitating long-term knowledge exchange and cooperation among custodians of Iraq’s documentary heritage.

Through this project, HERITΛGE and its partners reaffirm their commitment to supporting the National Library and Archives of Iraq in its leading role in safeguarding the country’s documentary collections and strengthening the capacities of heritage professionals to preserve Iraq’s national memory for future generations.