Kolekcje osobiste w Instytucie Józefa Piłsudskiego w Ameryce oraz Polskiego Instytutu Naukowego w Ameryce. Stan zachowania, metody opracowania

The fonds of the Józef Piłsudski Institute (JPI) and the Polish Institute of Arts and Sciences of America (PIASA) constitute an important part of Polish cultural legacy outside the country. Despite the different origins and focus, the two institutes collect and store documentation on the history of Poland, emigration and Polish-American relations. Both institutes contributed to the Polish struggle for freedom and independence after 1945. They also represented Polish culture, science and art in the United States. The two organisations serve as archives, libraries and museums, as well as serving as research facilities. The main problem faced by both of these institutions is the lack of funds which could be used to store and secure their fonds, as well as the lack of qualified staff necessary to analyse and share it. Using their own resources and with the help of the Ministry of Culture and National Legacy and the State Archives Directorate, they categorise, analyse, make available and digitise archival materials. The documents are available to researchers at the institutions’ headquarters and partially also online. Partnership with relevant institutions in Poland aimed at solving location-related, financial and staffing issues can protect them from being destroyed.