The bibliographic collections of the Astrophysics and Space Science Observatory of Bologna (OAS) and the Institute for Radioastronomy (IRA) are composed of collections from pre-existing research institutes. Specifically, the OAS was born from the merger of the Institute of Space Astrophysics and Cosmic Physics of Bologna and the Bologna Astronomical Observatory.
The current location of the collections preserves traces of their origins, although some changes have become necessary over time due to changes in the institutions themselves and to better use and preserve the books.
Currently, the approximately 300 volumes from the former Bologna Astronomical Observatory, which were historically housed in the Library of the Department of Physics and Astronomy of the University of Bologna, have been transferred, along with the latter, to the Navile Library of the University Library System.
Similarly, the collection of more than 3,000 volumes from the former Institute of Space Astrophysics and Cosmic Physics in Bologna and the Institute for Radioastronomy is located at the “Dario Nobili” Library of the Bologna Research Area. The chronological extremes of the volumes range from the 1920s of the last century to the present day.