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Archives and Special Collections: IBA Archive

IBA Archive Intro

Please note: The term ‘IBA Archive’ incorporates the Independent Television Authority (ITA), Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) and Cable Authority (CA) archives.

Collection size, scope and type:

  • Approx. 1100 boxes in total containing 21,000+ paper document files (each file can contain 50-300 documents).
  • Documents are a mixture of communications e.g. of internal memos, comments / complaints letters from members of public, research reports.
  • This Collection is not digitised, it can be visited and physically used by pre-arranged appointment (more details below).

Location of this Collection:

  • Approx. 360 of the IBA Archive boxes are located in Talbot Campus Library's mobile shelves.
  • Most IBA Archive boxes are held in an off-site storage facility (BU Library Staff supporting BU's archives have to request delivery of boxes from this facility in advance; that site cannot be visited).

Any questions?

Visiting and researching IBA Archive Documents

  • Access to the archives is by appointment only (Mon-Thurs 9.30am-4.30pm, Fri 10am-4pm) and we require at least 20 working days' notice.
  • Up to 8 IBA Archive files (not boxes, files. Each archive box contains multiple files and each file contains approx. 50-300+ documents) may be researched per visit day.
  • If you wish to access more than 8 files, we'll need to negotiate and arrange more than just a one day visit.
  • We require at least 20 working days' notice of your request to allow processing and confirm visit date(s).
  • Every single document in each IBA Archive file needs to be Data Protection checked, considering special category data and personal data which may need to be redacted. This is a time consuming procedure that we must complete before your visit. We request your patience and flexibility when liaising with us to arrange your visit date(s).
  • IBA Archive Catalogue
    • Instructions: To search the IBA Archive Catalogue use the link above. Use the search box, then when in an individual item record, press CTRL+F to find keywords in the contents section of each record. This Catalogue is under development and we're updating our processes. If you're unable to find what you're looking for, please email us.

Permissions: using IBA Archive materials

If you decide to evidence and reference any of BU's IBA Archive materials in your research and / or teaching:  

  • You need to contact us with extracts from your draft work (pre-peer review and publication / presentation) where you’re citing and referencing any BU archive and special collections sources. Then we have a permissions process we’d follow with you.
  • If referencing IBA Archive materials in your research and/or teaching, we ask that you please acknowledge and reference our service by including note of origin: Bournemouth University's Archives and Special Collections https://libguides.bournemouth.ac.uk/archives-special-collections.

IBA Archive details

Title ITA/IBA/Cable Authority archive
Dates 1954-1990
Physical Description and Location 232m. of shelving. Paper documentation in files, multiple files per box. Some IBA Archive boxes are located in Talbot Campus Library's mobile shelves. Over 900 IBA Archive boxes are held in an off-site storage facility (that cannot be visited - box delivery service to Talbot Campus Library is arranged).
Arrangement The archive is arranged in approx. 1100 boxes containing 21,632 paper files and documents.
Finding Aids From December 2021 the IBA Catalogue was introduced as a new discovery tool. Previously, an IBA PDF database document was used which became out of date and is now an internal use only document.
Access/Reproduction Restrictions

If you wish to consult this archive please fill in an IBA Archive Request Form. Viewing material is by prior arrangement only. Consultation will be in The Sir Michael Cobham Library. All researchers will be required to sign disclaimer forms before viewing material.
Contents and Scope This is a large archive containing among other items Authority committee minutes and papers, Authority papers, Cable franchise applications, Director General's correspondence, Engineering Director's correspondence, Policy files, Programme contractor files, Programmes files, Radio Consultative Committee minutes and papers, Radio contract applications, Radio Director's correspondence, Research for reports, Television Director's correspondence
Source of Acquisition OFCOM
Administrative /biographical history The Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA) 1972-1990 was the successor to the Independent Television Authority (ITA) 1954-1972. The IBA amalgamated with the Cable Authority 1984-1990 to become the Independent Television Commission (ITC) in 1990. In 2003 the ITC became part of OFCOM - the Office of Communications.
Language English
Archival History The archive remained in the custody of OFCOM until transfer to Bournemouth University in 2008.
Control number M0069052DO