Using the Archives

Finding Background Materials

World Bank Group Information Research Guide
A guide created by the World Bank/IMF Library Network to help people find information about and by the World Bank Group.

Exploring Our Records

Digital Collections
Key digital repositories for accessing World Bank Group historic resources online, including data, reports, project files, photographs, knowledge products, and more.
Overview of Archival Holdings
A high-level introduction to records in the custody of the World Bank Group Archives.

Using Records

Request Access to Holdings

Although many records are available online via the Archives Catalog and Projects & Operations website, access to other records requires a formal request.
This guide provides instructions on preparing and submitting a request.

Ready to Request?

Using Our Finding Aids
An introduction to how researchers can use our finding aids to identify records relevant to their research.
Access the Catalog
A searchable and browsable database of finding aids that will inform your request and provide access to digitized records when available.
Visit the Archives
The holdings of the World Bank Group Archives are accessible to the public in our reading room by appointment.

Citing and Publishing Our Materials

Terms of Use, Reproduction, and Citation
Guidance for researchers' use and reproduction of World Bank Group archival records.

Video

Dig Deeper into the World Bank Group Archives

View a short introduction to online resources that will help you prepare an access to information request or, when available, access digitized archival records electronically.

brochure

Welcome to Open Archives

Our Open Archives Brochure summarizes the various avenues for research offered by the World Bank Group Archives.

Video

World Bank Group History: Exploring the Archives

This short video surveys the course of the World Bank’s history while introducing the various types of records that can be found in the Archives’ holdings.

Using the Archives

Finding Background Materials

Exploring Our Records

Using Records

Request Access to Holdings

Citing and Publishing Our Materials

Dig Deeper into the World Bank Group Archives

Welcome to Open Archives

World Bank Group History: Exploring the Archives

Explore History

Discover the Archives

Doing Research

About Us