About IKC

The Library was set up in 1988, has a collection of books on architecture, art, conservation, crafts, archaeology, intangible heritage, history, indigenous people, heritage conservation, tourism, and museums. There is a separate collection of books on tourism, built up with the grant from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture in 2004.

The documents and books in the library are classified according to the Dewey decimal classification scheme (DDC). The documents are catalogued in machine- readable form using information management software. The library is a member of DELNET, which means it can access information on the holdings in other libraries in Delhi.

The Library and documentation centre welcomes donations of books and other materials from individuals and institutions.

The Documentation Centre (IKC), constituted in 2003 to serve the needs of scholars, researchers and practitioners in the field of conservation of architectural and natural heritage and in heritage interpretation.

The IKC, houses:-

  • Listings of heritage buildings and natural heritage sites in Indian districts, cities and towns.
  • Project proposals and project reports on architectural and natural heritage, dating from the 1980s.
  • Conference proceedings.
  • A collection of theses on architecture and planning.
  • Institutional papers on environment, forestry, water issues etc.
  • Heritage acts of states, material on heritage legislation and charters from other countries.
  • Maps/plans/drawings of architectural heritage.
  • Brochures and leaflets on tourism, museums, education, environment etc.

 The B.K. Thapar Audio Visual Centre was established in March 2009 with small grant from Ministry of culture. It is well equipped with audio and visual aids and has a collection of documentary films produced in-house or purchased from agencies like Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT), .Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), Magic Lantern, etc, recorded interviews and lectures, slides and photographs from various divisions and chapters. It also has a selection of audio- visual material from Akashvani archives.

Visitors are welcome to view or listen to material in the audio- visual centre.