Kalutara, Sri Lanka — 7/2/2026 — The Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (IAHS) today announced the public launch of ShelfConnect, a free online directory designed to help readers discover books and home libraries throughout Sri Lanka.
Available at https://shelfconnect.org/, ShelfConnect brings together independently owned home libraries that choose to share selected catalogue records for public discovery. The platform supports IAHS’s broader mission in archaeology education and community heritage by widening access to reading, learning, and locally held collections.
“Home libraries play a quiet but vital role in education and cultural life,” said [Name, Title, IAHS]. “ShelfConnect gives those collections a trusted public presence—without compromising the privacy choices of each library owner. Readers can search for books and libraries in one place; owners decide what they wish to publish.”
What ShelfConnect offers
ShelfConnect is built for both readers and library owners:
For readers
- Search books across participating libraries by title, ISBN, keywords, language, or publication year
- Find home libraries by name, city, or district
- Explore an interactive map showing locations that owners have opted to share
- Contact library owners when public contact details are available
For library owners
- Register a home library and submit it for review
- Publish catalogue records they want readers to discover
- Control which contact details and map coordinates are shared publicly
All catalogue search and public library browsing on ShelfConnect is free for readers. Library registration is offered as part of the IAHS home library programme.
Privacy-aware by design
ShelfConnect respects what each library chooses to share. Listings are privacy-aware: owners decide which catalogue records, contact information, and location details appear in the public directory. This approach supports respectful, community-led participation while keeping discovery practical for readers nationwide.
Supporting heritage, education, and access
IAHS developed ShelfConnect to strengthen reader access to books held in home libraries—collections that often include works on history, archaeology, heritage, language, and general education. By connecting those catalogues through a single trusted directory, the Institute aims to support lifelong learning and community engagement across Sri Lanka.
The platform is available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, reflecting IAHS’s commitment to inclusive public access.
How to use ShelfConnect
Readers and library owners can visit https://shelfconnect.org/ to:
- Browse the national catalogue
- Search for books and libraries
- View the library map
- Register a home library for review
Programme and partnership enquiries may be directed to IAHS through the contact options on the ShelfConnect website or via info@iahs.lk.
About the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies
The Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (IAHS) is dedicated to archaeology education and community heritage. Based at Vilegoda Walauwa, Vivekarama Road, Kalutara North, Sri Lanka, IAHS supports research, learning, and public engagement in archaeology and heritage studies. Learn more at https://www.iahs.lk.
About ShelfConnect
ShelfConnect is a free home library network operated by the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies. It helps readers discover books and home libraries in Sri Lanka through a public online catalogue, while giving library owners tools to publish selected records on their own terms. Visit https://shelfconnect.org/.
Media and programme contact
Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (IAHS)
Email: info@iahs.lk
Phone: +94 777 428 282
Web: https://www.iahs.lk
