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½­ÄÏÌåÓý Archives

The Archives preserves the institutional memory of the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý and provides public access to records of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).

About Us
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    Exhibit

    Rising Together: The Creation and Legacy of the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý-IMF African American Association

    In recognition of Black History Month, the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý Archives highlights the formation of an internal staff organization over thirty years ago and explores its evolution and influence within the Bank-Fund and local communities.

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    Description

    The new series-level description includes more detailed information, a hierarchical view of the fonds' series, and inventory lists!

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    Profile

    New! Development Reflections: Mike James - Exploring Health and Fitness at the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý

    The newest subject of our Development Reflections series is Mike James! James discusses the role of fitness in the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý and the changes he has seen as head of the Fitness Center.

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    Discovery Tool

    The WBG Archives has added new events to our Historical Timeline, including historical events, such as first development loan and President Wolfensohn's "Cancer of Corruption" speech, as well as more recent events covering President Malpass's presidency.

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    Discovery Tool

    The Archives' new Country Historical Profiles website offers a dynamic view of WBG membership over time and profiles of every Bank Group country member, past and present. Profiles include membership information, first loans, important events, economic reports, lists of Country Directors and Executive Directors, and much, much more!

½­ÄÏÌåÓý Historical Timeline

The timeline offers an engaging way to learn about the important moments in the history of the World Bank while discovering the gems of the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý Archives.

Flagship Discovery Tools

The World Bank

Archives Catalog

The Archives Catalog contains archival descriptions and provides access to digitized records.

The World Bank

The Multimedia Catalog provides access to thousands of photos and recordings documenting World Bank operations, presidents, official signings, and more.

The World Bank

The Oral History Program website contains transcripts, summaries, and audio clips of interviews with former World Bank staff.

country historical profiles

Track World Bank membership over time and access historical profiles for every member country.

Archives Spotlight

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Exhibit

Bretton Woods and the Birth of the Bank

On July 1, 1944, delegates from forty-four nations met in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire to agree on a new system of international cooperation. Learn more about this historic meeting and view folder lists of related archival records.

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WBG Web Archives

The Web Archives provides access to World Bank websites that have been discontinued or significantly updated. Archived sites date from 1998 to the present. 

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Video

Uncover the Treasures of the Archives

This short promotional video describes the possibilities available to researchers when they “jump in and exploreâ€� the holdings of the ½­ÄÏÌåÓý Archives.

The World Bank
Website

Access Bank Group-authored reports, including Board Documents, Economic and Sector Work reports, project documents, and publications and research.

The World Bank
Website

Country Director Database

Contains country director data from 1972 to 2020.

The World Bank
Website

Projects & Operations

Provides contextual information for each World Bank project, past and present, as well as a folder list of archival records that relate to each project.

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Records Management Roadmap

The Roadmap is a multi-part toolkit, designed to help governments and public-sector organizations implement improvements in records management. 

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External Partnership

See the results when machine learning strategies are applied to Robert S. McNamara’s World Bank records.

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Publication

This accessible introduction to conducting research in the Archives consolidates all the information you need to begin your research.

Connect

Access to Information

Access to WBG records is governed by the Access to Information Policy.

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Submit a Request

After researching what materials you need in our catalog, submit a request for access.

Learn More

Inside the Archives

The Archives' innovative Digital Preservation Program paves the way for the future. 

Go Inside

Keep up with the latest news and releases from the WBG Archives.