The universal declaration on archives (UDA): One reflection about its social representative

Abstract

This study aims to elucidate the social representativeness of the Universal Declaration on Archives (UDA) within the framework of collective intelligence and skills required in the learning process, and comprehension of users and the general public. The Declaration posits a new approach to the preservation of documentary heritage and protection of individual and collective memory, socializing awareness of the responsibility of everyone in safeguarding the process of knowledge construction. This is a descriptive study that employs a bibliographical and documentary research method, and undertakes an analysis of UDA, its history and impact on the process of building the engagement of all in the perception of the importance of preservation of archives in libraries and museums. UDA collaborates in the development of citizens’ awareness of the need to train professionals in information skills and become agents of memory and facilitators of access to archived information. The study concludes with recommendations for additional UDA topics in Library and Archival Science curricula, thereby ensuring its principles are understood and experienced in professional practice, while serving to build social identity and knowledge.