This study is intended to make more widely known and understood the basic problems involved in ensuring preservation and access to an invaluable informational and cultural resource--the archives of non-governmental institutions and organizations. It is based on a survey of the current situation in 28 selected Unesco member states regarding the acquisition, preservation, arrangement, description, and access to the principal categories of private archives, including those of business and labor organizations, cultural and scientific institutions, estates, and families. Of the 65 questionnaires mailed to institutions, records offices, libraries, and museums thought to have holdings of private archives and manuscripts, 39 were returned. The findings of the survey are analyzed to determine trends, needs, and problems, with special reference to the needs of developing countries. The study concludes with recommendations for action at the national, regional, and international levels to assist in ensuring more comprehensive and effective preservation and administration of private archives. Appended are the questionnaire form and an annotated bibliography of writings used and consulted in the preparation of the study. (DMC)