How to Search, Log In, and Change Language or Accessibility Settings on itma.ie

Updated

Use the site-wide Search box for general queries, the Main catalogues search for archive records, the Login / Register links to save items to your own dashboard, the GA / EN links to switch between Irish and English, and the Accessibility menu to adjust font size, contrast, and monochrome display. All of these controls are part of the public site; the archive notes that it is committed to free, universal access, and donations are optional.

Searching the site

ITMA offers two search paths, and choosing the right one depends on what you need:

What you want Where to go What it searches
General site content (news, blogs, events, exhibitions, pages) The Search box on the site The website as a whole
Archive records and catalogue material Main catalogues → Search The catalogues

Steps:

  1. Enter a term in the Search box (for example a tune name, a person, or an instrument).
  2. Submit the search and review the results.
  3. If you are looking for archival material rather than site pages, switch to Main catalogues and search there instead.

Expected result: a results list drawn from the website or the catalogues, depending on which search you used.

Common sticking point: a general site search will not necessarily surface catalogue records. If a tune, song, or manuscript does not appear, repeat the query in Main catalogues.

Registering and logging in to the ITMA Archive

Creating an account gives you a personal dashboard where you can save content you find across the site and open it directly later.

To register:

  1. Select Sign up to ITMA Archive (or Register now).
  2. Complete the registration form.
  3. Return to Login and sign in with your email address and password.

To log in:

  1. Open Login.
  2. Enter your Email Address and Password.
  3. Tick Remember Me if you want the session to persist on that device.
  4. Submit.

If you forget your password: use the Reset Password link on the login screen and follow the instructions sent to your email.

Expected result: you land on your own dashboard and can save items as you browse.

Common sticking point: saving content depends on being signed in. If a save option does not appear to work, check that you are logged in rather than browsing as a guest.

Switching between Irish and English

The site is bilingual. The GA and EN links in the header switch the interface language:

  • GA — Gaeilge (Irish)
  • EN — English

Select the language you want before you start searching or reading, so that menus and labels stay consistent as you move between sections.

Adjusting accessibility settings

The Accessibility menu provides display controls:

  • Font sizing — enlarge or reduce text size.
  • Contrast — switch to a higher-contrast display.
  • Monochrome — remove colour for a monochrome view.
  • Reset — return the display to its default state.

These settings are useful if you are reading long catalogue entries or manuscript descriptions and want larger text or stronger contrast. Use Reset to undo changes if the display becomes harder to read.

A practical sequence

For a first visit, a workable order is:

  1. Set GA or EN.
  2. Adjust Accessibility options if needed.
  3. Register or Login so your finds can be saved.
  4. Search the site for context, then search Main catalogues for archive material.

If you find the archive useful, the site also offers a Donate option with suggested amounts; supporting ITMA is voluntary and separate from access to the search, login, and display features described above.