The library’s Special Collections and Archives department acquires and preserves fine printing collections, such as letterpress, limited edition, first edition, and other fine printed books, primarily from book artists in California.
The department also collects books on printing, marbling, papermaking, binding, and other aspects of book arts.
We assist students, faculty and other researchers; provide access to our book arts collections; and assist and teach classes in book production and design. We also promote the preservation and study of the book as a physical object as an integral part of California’s cultural heritage.
Artists’ Books
Special Collections and Archives began collecting artists’ books in earnest during the 1970s and has since accumulated over 700 artist’s books. The collection reflects artists’ books from many sources, including individual California artists and established presses and publishers.
Special Collections and Archives assists students, faculty and other researchers by providing access to the artists’ books, offering book arts presentations, and highlighting presses and artists from the collection. The department’s goal is to promote the preservation and study of the book as a physical artistic object.
Spanish landscapes
- Susan Allix
- London: [s.n.], 1994.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Copy no. 1 in an edition of 14 signed copies
- Call Number: N7433.4.A45 S6 1994
Bon bon mots: a fine assortment of books
- Julie Chen
- Berkeley, California: Flying Fish Press, 1998.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.C44 B66 1998
World without end
- Berkeley: Flying Fish Press, 1999.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.C44 W67 1999
- HONOR WITH BOOKS: In memory of Byra J. Wreden, 1915-2000.
Anansi Company
- Ronald King & Roy Fisher
- London: Circle Press, 1992.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.K48 A66 1992
Girls I have known
- Lise Melhorn-Boe
- North Bay, Ontario : Transformer Press, 2002.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.M45 G47 2002
I know an old lady
- Neven Samara, Cal Poly Alumnus
- San Luis Obispo, California: Open Cage Books, 2006
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.S26 I3 2006
We are happy to serve you
- Miriam Schaer
- Brooklyn, NY: Miriam Schaer, 1996.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: N7433.4.S32 W3 1996
Skinny this
- Jocelyn Webb, Cal Poly Alumnus
- Iowa City, Iowa: Sierras Press, c1999.
- Special Collections and Archives, Kennedy Library
- Call Number: PS3573.E19552 S55 1999
Photos by student Prem Ananda. Courtesy of Special Collections and Archives.
Finding artists’ books
To find more information on artists’ books, examples of artists’ books, check out our guide to the Artists’ Books Collection.
Explore more
Moore Collection of Underground Comix
Visiting the collection
Students, faculty, and the public are encouraged to explore the collection in person by making an appointment with Special Collections staff. Special Collections staff also welcome classes for interactive hands-on visits to work with the artists’ books collection. Learn more about our instruction program here.
Kennedy Library, room 409
(805) 756-2305
ude.yloplacnull@sevihcra