Designed to present a broad picture that characterizes the current world situation with respect to preservation and conservation of library and archival documents, this report is based on a March 1986 survey on the state of the world's patrimony which was funded by Unesco and undertaken jointly by IFLA (the International Federation of Library Associations) and ICA (the International Council on Archives). Additional information was collected during a series of short visits to 12 countries by a number of experts, and supplemental information was provided by national archival or library institutions in 13 countries. Following a brief introduction and discussion of the study methodology, results of the survey questionnaire are discussed, major concerns are summarized, and the scale and scope of the preservation and conservation problem are analyzed. The framework for an action program to address the areas of awareness, education and training, policy development and implementation measures, and treatment measures is then outlined. Recommendations for Unesco, ICA and IFLA, and national institutions and associations are also presented together with six technical recommendations. The survey questionnaire and a listing of follow-up mission visits to selected countries are appended. (KM)