Keykāvūs Jahāndārī: A Key Figure in the Transition to Modern Librarianship in Iran, with a Focus on His Bibliographic and Iranological Contributions

This article examines the multifaceted contributions of Keykāvūs Jahāndārī to the development of specialized Iranian and Islamic studies libraries in Iran. It highlights his pivotal role in collection development at key institutions, including the former Senate Library, the Farhang-e Iran Foundation Library, and the Center for the Great Islamic Encyclopedia. Emphasizing his bibliographic expertise and translation work, the study explores how Jahāndārī enriched Iranological scholarship by acquiring rare resources and translating critical German language texts on Iranian history and culture. The article also discusses his ethical virtues, advocacy for the autonomy of specialized libraries, and enduring influence on library science and Iranian studies. Drawing on archival materials, interviews, and published tributes, this research sheds light on Jahāndārī’s legacy as a humble yet transformative figure whose work continues to support Iranian academic inquiry and cultural preservation.