A founding charter for the centuries ahead.
Seven principles proposed to guide the Library's development, from the integrity of its historical research to the continuity of its care.
To preserve history for the distant future is to accept a responsibility that extends beyond those who begin the work.
The following principles are a proposed public framework. They do not constitute an executed charter, contractual promise, or evidence of an established legal or archival operation.
The purpose
To create and sustain reliable histories of individuals and families as part of the enduring record of human experience.
Historical integrity
To distinguish evidence from recollection, disclose uncertainty and preserve editorial independence irrespective of commissioning arrangements.
Responsibility of custody
To seek the resources, professional care and protective environments necessary for long-term stewardship of the collections entrusted to the institution.
Independent preservation
To reduce dependence on any single physical object, technology, location or custodian through appropriately planned redundancy and continual maintenance.
Continuity beyond founders
To develop funding, governance and successor-custody provisions so that the preservation obligation does not rest solely on founders or recurring member payments.
Responsible access
To balance lawful privacy and agreed restrictions with the long-term obligation to make eligible historical records discoverable and intelligible to researchers.
Accountability
To disclose the difference between planned arrangements and operational capabilities, and to review and document the policies governing the collection.
For those who come after us.
Founding principles · Proposal for development