Cal Poly

Manuscript Collections

Our collections are particularly strong in California architects, architecture and environmental design; book arts, fine printing and graphic arts; and local, regional and California history, including ethnic studies.

California Architectural Archives

We collect original materials on architects and architecture in California, including drawings and prints, correspondence, published and unpublished writings, photographs and visual media, diaries, biographies, business records, job lists, oral histories, ephemera and other original materials relating to architects and architecture, landscape architecture, environmental design, urban planning and engineering in California, with special emphasis on California architects and coastal and central valley areas of the state. We also promote the preservation and study of architectural records as an integral part of California's cultural heritage.

Fine Printing and Graphic Arts Collections

We collect fine printing and graphic arts by acquiring and preserving examples of letterpress, limited edition, first edition, and other finely printed books, primarily from book artists in California. We also collect 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.

California History Collections

We collect local, regional and California history, including ethnic studies, by acquiring and preserving original materials; delivering electronic versions of finding aids; assisting students, faculty and other researchers; licensing materials for study, publication, exhibition and broadcast; and assisting with classes, lectures, and public programming. We also promote the preservation and study of local and ethnic studies materials as an integral part of California's cultural heritage.

Links to the Land: San Luis Obispo Environmental Archives

These collections document the history and development both of San Luis Obispo County ranching pioneers and the local environmental movement through original correspondence, ranch records, and photographs.