UNESCO and 32 institutions launched World Digital Library. The launch was took place UNESCO headquarters. Mr.Billington first proposed the creation of world digital library to UNESCO in the year 2005. It is a cooperative project of the library of congress and UNESCO. The launch will takes place at a reception co-hosted by UNESCO Director-General Koichiro Matsuurs and U.S. librarian of Congress, James H. Billington, and Directors of the partner institution. The technical assistance was provided by the Bibliotheca Alexandrina of Alexandria Egypt.
The National Library of China (NLC) contributed manuscript, maps, books, and rubbing of steels. World Digital Library is a worldwide Website. The site will include manuscripts, maps, rare books, films, sound recordings, prints, and photographs. It will provide unrestricted access, free of charge, to this material. The World Digital Library interface operates seven Languages -Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. Browsing and searching features facilitate cross-cultural and cross-temporal explorations on the site.