Central Files

105102

1921-2004 (predominantly 1946-1993)

collection

textual records

1606 linear feet of textual records, sound recording (5 audio discs), and graphic materials

English

Secretary's Department Records Division, Research Department, Office Systems & Records Archives and Record Section Central Files Unit Technology and General Services Department Documents

Collection is open according to the Policy on Access to the Fund's Archives. Files will be screened by archival staff for any time restrictions. Certain files in the Administration Series remain closed due to the exemption in the Policy for personnel information. Bank-Fund relations material has been retained by Secretary's Department and is not available in the Archives.

This Collection is a rich source of original records for the history of economics and research on the evolution of the international financial system during the second half of the 20th century. When it was in active use, the Central Files collected correspondence, memoranda, and Executive Board Documents and other materials concerning the policies, procedures, organization, and core operations of the IMF. Contents include IMF relations with all its country members, as well as with the United Nations and other international organizations, and regional and national organizations in the economic arena. This was not a ‘registry system’ so the IMF Departments simultaneously kept core records – thus departmental records provide an important source alongside Central Files. In 1993 the Records Division downscaled its collection of materials into Central Files. By the end of the 1990s filing into the Collection ceased except for two Series: Consultations (maintained until December 2002) and Board Documents. Series described in this finding aid are: Administration Files, Country Files, Country Consultation Files, International Organizations Files, [Internal] Organization Files, and Economic Subject Files.