The metadata used to describe the holdings of the World Bank Group (WBG) Archives, in addition to being browsable on the Archives Catalog, is available for download. The metadata includes the ISAD(G) descriptions authored by WBG Archives staff, folder- and item-level information, and the URLs of digitized records (when available). Archival description is ongoing and metadata is added and updated on a regular basis.
Users can download the data via an API. To request access to the API, please email archives@worldbank.org. Archives staff will generate a key to access the API. You can find detailed instructions for using the API with your key here.
The metadata follows the Open Archives Initiative Protocol for Metadata Harvesting standard. Individual folders follow the copyright restrictions noted on their cover page.
For users who are interested in downloading individual archival descriptions in PDF or CSV formats or inventory lists of fonds or series, please see our Using Our Finding Aids page for guidance.
We encourage users to do research with the Archives' metadata and content and welcome questions at archives@worldbank.org.