1. The valorization of archives from the First World War at the State Archives Pierre-Alain.Tallier@arch.be

2. I. Introduction

3.  The valorization of archives from WW I —› A real opportunity, given the great public and scientific interest —› Specifics of « the Belgian case » (enrichening our common history)

4. II. What concerns us?

5. III. The accomplishments of the State Archives (1)  Important steps were taken to ensure the opening to research (200 inventories published during the last couple of years)

6. III. The accomplishments of the State Archives (2)  Editing of a Source guide on the First World War in Belgium

7. III. The accomplishments of the State Archives (3)  A permanent enrichment of our thematic library on the First World War (online catalogue of over 30.000 titles accessible via www.arch.be)

8. III. The accomplishments of the State Archives (4)  Assuring the development and visibility of our series entitled « Studies on World War One » launched in 2001 (18 n°)

9. III. The accomplishments of the State Archives (5)  Assuring the awareness of our global policy

10. IV. Strenghts and weaknesses (1)  + Coordinated and voluntaristic policy  + Unmistakable expertise amongst the personnel  + Concrete results  + Unavoidable actor

11. IV. Strenghts and weaknesses (2)  - Dissapearance of a number of archival fonds  - Fierce competition  - Lack of human and financial ressources  - Lack of visibility

12. V. Menaces  … The future of the Belgian Federal State …

13. V. Menaces

14. VI. Upcoming challenges  Retaining our expertise  Conducting a policy of conservation  Continuing to interest the wider public  Finding financial means  Development of partnerships

15. VII. Conclusion and ways to collaborate  A favourable balance  An experience bearing repetition  …  Installment of a European portal « First World War » by the archive services