Universal Access to ALL Knowledge.
Internet Archive Switzerland is an independent Swiss foundation, which is operating as an non-profit organisation based in Sankt Gallen. Our primary goal is: Universal Access to All Knowledge.
Together with like-minded partners we collect and preserve digital information for learning and research. Our objective is to ensure people can find any kind of helpful digital materials, today and in the future.
Although at first glance one might think that the digital content available on the internet is inexhaustible and endlessly growing, it is also evident that digital information is actually short-lived.
We are facing constant changes in file formats, sudden failure of storage media, rapid deletion processes (accidental or deliberate) and an increasing tendency of hiding knowledge behind paywalls. All of this jeopardises easy access to information, learning and the shaping of opinions on the basis of facts.
All of this has led us to launch two initiatives in the foundation’s early stages: We are partnering with the University of St. Gallen to build the Gen Artificial Intelligence (AI) Archive, preserving today's AI models for future generations. And through our Endangered Archives initiative, we invite global partners to explore ways of rescuing vulnerable collections from conflict, disaster, and suppression before they are lost.
Projects
What we are WORKING on.
Gen AI Archive
Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs) are fundamentally reshaping how humanity creates and shares knowledge. To document this evolution, the University of St. Gallen and Internet Archive Switzerland partner in preserving today’s most profound models for future generations in the Gen AI Archive.
Project 02 · Preservation
Endangered Archives
Cultural heritage and historical records worldwide face ever growing threats from conflict, instability, and natural disasters. To prevent the loss of this collective memory, Internet Archive Switzerland seeks to establish an initiative called Endangered Archives. In cooperation with UNESCO and other well established organisations we aim to rescue vulnerable materials by providing a secure digital haven.
About
The foundation.
Organization
An independent non profit foundation in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Mission-aligned with the Internet Archive, Internet Archive Canada and Internet Archive Europe, and a common goal: Universal Access to All Knowledge.
Our charter states (excerpt): “The purpose of the Foundation is to advance the preservation and universal accessibility of all knowledge as inspired by the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 19, 26, and 27) and the United Nations's Sustainable Development Goal 4, which strives to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.
Executive Director
Roman Griesfelder
Internet Archive Switzerland is led by Roman Griesfelder as Executive Director. Roman is an Austrian citizen and has been living in Switzerland since 1998. The sociologist and business administrator has been working for many years in senior roles as project manager and management consultant, among other things, before holding leading positions at cultural institutions in Switzerland. His wide-ranging interests converge at the points where social, cultural and technological developments intersect and affect the lives of many people, or even just a few individuals.
SG
Location
St. Gallen.
47.4245° N · 9.3767° E
St. Gallen is no stranger to the idea that preserving the record is a form of civic responsibility. Its archival tradition stretches back over a thousand years — a fitting symbolic home for this new chapter of the Internet Archive.
The existence of the Abbey Archives proves that, with conviction and perseverance, it is possible to preserve the foundations of our knowledge about society. This conviction motivates the Internet Archive Switzerland to embark boldly on its mission and to pursue it unwaveringly.
We are also delighted to be partnering with the University of St. Gallen to establish the world’s first comprehensive AI archive.
Contact
PLEASE GET IN TOUCH!
Researchers, libraries, developers, curious citizens: write to us in St. Gallen.
We want to hear from you. Whether you know of a collection at risk, want to explore a partnership, or simply believe that open access to knowledge matters, reach out. Every conversation helps us do this work better.
Address
Internet Archive Switzerland
CHE-238.343.099
Mailing List
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