Since 1973, one of the priorities of the Institute’s members has been the creation of a specialized library on matters of underwater archaeology. Today, it holds approximately 2,000 books and periodicals from Greek and international bibliography, in Greek as well as in other languages. The collection also includes doctoral dissertations, conference proceedings, offprints and more, covering topics such as underwater archaeology methodology, navigation, nautical tradition, trade and shipbuilding. The library was significantly enriched following the death of H.I.M.A.’s founder, Nikos N. Tsouchlos, who bequeathed his valuable collection of old and rare publications. His donation also includes his invaluable photographic archive documenting all of H.I.M.A.’s activities, which he personally created and maintained until 2002.

Unfortunately, due to a lack of financial resources in recent years, H.I.M.A.’s library has not been able to consistently upgrade and expand its holdings with all new publications in the field of underwater archaeology. H.I.M.A.’s action plan for 2021 and the years ahead includes the complete reorganization of the library through the acquisition of new books, as well as the creation of a modern digital bibliographic catalogue, accessible online via H.I.M.A.’s website. Plans also include the organization and digitization of Nikos N. Tsouchlos’ extensive photographic archive, in order to ensure its preservation and facilitate access to it.

H.I.M.A. believes that these goals are of particular importance, as this library is the only one in Greece and one of the very few in all of Europe specializing in underwater archaeology. It serves as a point of reference for scientists, students and H.I.M.A. members specializing in underwater archaeology, and is available for use by the wider interested public.

H.I.M.A. Library & Archive
9 Saripoulou St., Athens 106 82 Open to the public by appointment:
tel. 210 8259668, e-mail: ienae@otenet.gr