{"id":3659,"date":"2026-08-14T05:46:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T05:46:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/?p=3659"},"modified":"2026-08-14T11:04:20","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T11:04:20","slug":"launch-of-the-iia-archives-online-finding-aids-portal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/?p=3659","title":{"rendered":"Launch of the IIA Archives Online Finding Aids Portal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has taken an important step towards preserving and providing access to its rich institutional and scientific heritage by launching its Archival Portal. The portal was officially launched by Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairperson, Axilor Ventures and Co-founder, Infosys, in the presence of Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA, during the Founder\u2019s Day marking M.K. Vainu Bappu&#8217;s birth centenary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"is-layout-constrained wp-block-group\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"is-layout-flex wp-container-4 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"is-layout-flow wp-block-column\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<figure class=\"is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-1 wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3662\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9221-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3661\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-1536x1022.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/compressed-_DSC9247-2048x1363.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><em><strong>Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan launching the IIA Archival Portal along with Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Explore the IIA Archival Portal:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/archives.iiap.res.in\/\">IIA Archives<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The new Archival Portal brings these efforts together and provides users with an accessible platform to explore the collections. The Browse feature allows users to discover records through keywords and filters such as subject, person, place, repository, level of description, and media type. Search results provide important details, including the archival reference code, title, description, and the record\u2019s position within the archival hierarchy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"IIA Archival portal Tour\" width=\"720\" height=\"405\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vcdjU_eQr0E?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>IIA Archival portal Tour<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IIA Archives preserve valuable records that document the growth and development of astronomy and astrophysics at the Institute. The collections include photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, reports, publications, audiovisual materials, and other records related to the Institute, its scientists, staff, observatories, research activities, and institutional history.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19-1024x556.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3665\" width=\"974\" height=\"529\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19-1024x556.png 1024w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19-768x417.png 768w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19-1536x835.png 1536w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Screenshot-from-2026-08-12-14-31-19.png 1853w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 974px) 100vw, 974px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong><em>Homepage of IIA Archives online finding aids<\/em><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The development of the Archival Portal has involved a systematic process of collecting, evaluating, organizing, describing, and preserving these records and their metadata. Archival materials are received through donations, gifts, and transfers from the IIA main campus and field stations. Once received, the records are carefully examined, inventoried, and evaluated to identify materials of lasting historical, informational, and research value. Records that provide significant information about people, scientific activities, events, and the development of the Institute are selected for long-term preservation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-1024x511.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3666\" width=\"993\" height=\"496\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-1024x511.png 1024w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image-1536x767.png 1536w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/image.png 1854w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 993px) 100vw, 993px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><strong>The Collections page of the IIA Archival Portal showcasing its diverse archival holdings.<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The selected records are then arranged and described while maintaining their original context and relationships. Detailed descriptions are prepared to help users understand the contents and significance of each collection. The IIA Archives follows the ISAD(G) \u2013 General International Standard Archival Description to maintain consistency in archival description. The descriptions, which were initially prepared in physical formats, are being progressively converted into an Online Finding Aid to improve access to the collections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Preservation is an important part of archival work. Photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, and other records are stored safely in suitable conditions to protect them from damage and pests. The Archives Exhibition Room at the main campus has controlled environmental conditions for better preservation, while field stations such as Kodaikanal also preserve archival materials. The Archives is also taking steps to preserve digital and born-digital records, ensuring that IIA\u2019s digital heritage is protected and available for the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"is-layout-flex wp-container-8 wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"is-layout-flow wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1600\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-300x188.jpg 300w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-1024x640.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-768x480.jpg 768w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-1536x960.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Storage-and-preservation-page-1-edited-2048x1280.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"is-layout-flow wp-block-column\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-14-2026-10_29_44-AM-1-edited.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3719\" width=\"593\" height=\"442\"\/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">A controlled taxonomy developed specifically for the IIA Archives further improves the discovery of archival materials. Standardized terms for subjects, personal names, and places help users identify related records across different collections and explore the Archives more effectively. Each record provides a detailed archival description, its place within the collection, related access points, and associated digital objects, where available. Through these features, users can explore the archival collections and gain a better understanding of the context in which the records were created.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The IIA Archives will continue to add new archival records to the portal, along with their descriptions and metadata. We also plan to digitize important materials such as photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, and reports. This will help protect the original records and make them easier to access in the future. The Archives will also work towards preserving digital and<strong> <\/strong>born-digital records created through the Institute\u2019s research and activities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Archival Portal allows IIA researchers, scientists, students, staff, and other authorised users to explore the Institute\u2019s history and scientific heritage. Users can find photographs, manuscripts, correspondence, scientific data, reports, publications, maps, and other archival records related to IIA\u2019s people, observatories, instruments, research, and important events. The search and Browse features make it easy to find records by subject, person, place, and media type. These collections can support research, academic work, historical studies, and learning about IIA\u2019s scientific journey and heritage. As more materials are digitised, they will gradually be added to the portal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The launch of the IIA Archival Portal marks an important milestone in the Institute\u2019s efforts to preserve and share its institutional memory. It brings together years of archival work and provides a structured platform for discovering the records that document IIA\u2019s scientific journey. Through continued collection, description, preservation, and digitization, the Archives will ensure that these valuable records remain an important resource for understanding and exploring the history of astronomy and astrophysics at IIA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For Archival records contributions and research support, please contact us at <strong><a>archives@iiap.res.in<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) has taken an important step towards preserving and providing access to its rich institutional and scientific heritage by launching its Archival Portal. The portal was officially launched by Shri Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chairperson, Axilor Ventures and Co-founder, Infosys, in the presence of Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, IIA, during the Founder\u2019s&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":3662,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false},"categories":[56,120],"tags":[32,55,121],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3659"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=3659"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3659\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3725,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3659\/revisions\/3725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/3662"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=3659"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=3659"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/library.iiap.res.in\/collaborate\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=3659"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}