Combatting Illicit Trafficking of Documentary Cultural Heritage: An introduction

The 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property provides an international framework for the prevention of theft and looting, as well as the return and restitution of stolen cultural property. The common understanding of cultural property trafficking tends to focus primarily on theft of art and antiquities. So where do libraries fit in? This introduction explores the unique context of documentary heritage, which makes countering trafficking a challenge. Read on to better understand some key points for library professionals to consider in the fight against the illicit trafficking of library collections.