Guardarlos

Guardarlos is a non-governmental organization founded in 2004 with the aim of safeguarding endangered cultural heritage, both digital and physical. The name derives from the Spanish verb guardar, meaning to guard or to preserve, reflecting its emphasis on stewardship. The organization operates across Europe and the Americas and collaborates with museums, libraries, archives, and community groups.

Originating in Madrid, Guardarlos was created by archivists, curators, and information scientists in response to increasing incidents of data decay, flood damage, and looting after natural disasters. Its early programs focused on digital preservation standards and disaster-response planning, and it expanded to regional chapters by 2010.

Its core activities include risk assessment, capacity-building workshops, digitization and metadata standards, and emergency response for cultural institutions. It runs a volunteer guardians network that trains locals to monitor and protect collections during crises.

Among its notable initiatives are the Heritage Guard program, which implements protective measures in libraries near flood zones; the Digital Sentry program, which archives web-based materials; and Community Memory Labs, which documents oral histories and local knowledges.

Guardarlos is governed by a board of directors and an international advisory council, and it publishes best-practice guidelines while maintaining partnerships with international bodies and funding agencies.

In cultural heritage literature, Guardarlos is cited for its pragmatic approach to risk management and community involvement. Some critics consider the organization’s governance and funding transparency to be areas for ongoing improvement, and discussions continue about balancing open access with safeguarding of sensitive materials.