World Bank Group Archives
The Archives preserves the institutional memory of the World Bank Group and provides public access to records of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA).
About Us
Flagship Discovery Tools
Archives Catalog
The Archives Catalog contains archival descriptions and provides access to digitized records.
Multimedia Catalog
The Multimedia Catalog provides access to thousands of photos and recordings documenting World Bank operations, presidents, official signings, and more.
Oral History Program
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
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.
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.
Uncover the Treasures of the Archives
This short promotional video describes the possibilities available to researchers when they “jump in and explore” the holdings of the World Bank Group Archives.
Documents and Reports
Access Bank Group-authored reports, including Board Documents, Economic and Sector Work reports, project documents, and publications and research.
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.
Records Management Roadmap
The Roadmap is a multi-part toolkit, designed to help governments and public-sector organizations implement improvements in records management.
Columbia University's History Lab Project
See the results when machine learning strategies are applied to Robert S. McNamara’s World Bank records.
Guide to the World Bank Group Archives
This accessible introduction to conducting research in the Archives consolidates all the information you need to begin your research.
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Access to Information
Access to WBG records is governed by the Access to Information Policy.
Submit a Request
After researching what materials you need in our catalog, submit a request for access.
Inside the Archives
The Archives' innovative Digital Preservation Program paves the way for the future.