Special Collections and Archives welcomes the use of its collections.

Some collections are searchable through the Online Archive of California. For collections that are not yet on the Online Archive of California, researchers can contact Special Collections staff to request more information.

Requesting a research appointment

You should call or email in advance of your visit to indicate the materials you would like to research and to make an appointment, which will enable Special Collections and Archives staff to prepare for the appointment and make the best use your time. Check our our hours for the quarter.  When you contact us, please include:

• Your name, email, and phone number
• Materials you would like pulled for your research appointment. Include:
  • Book title and Call number
  • Collection title and number with Box numbers or Flat File Folder Numbers.
• Your research topic (optional, we will use this information to help identify any other possible materials you may be interested in)
• Preferred day and time of visit

Please note: Some collections are stored off-site, and require at minimum a notice of one business day before the materials can be made available. Advance notice is also required for class or group visits or instructional sessions.

For your research visit

Plan for your visit by reviewing our Reading Room Guidelines. You might also want to read about copyright guidelines in advance of your visit.

Remote Researchers

Special Collections and Archives staff can provide access and expertise on the holdings we steward. We will respond to reference inquiries to the best of our ability and resources. In most cases, we can provide thirty minutes of research assistance. In the event that more time is needed, local freelance researchers may be able to assist you. Those who are unable to visit the department can order reproductions or set up an appointment to meet with archives staff on Zoom.

Reference inquiries are accepted by e-mail and phone. Contact us for more information.

Email: ude.yloplacnull@sevihcra

Voice: 805.756.2305

Reproduction and Permission Requests

Learn more about ordering reproductions or requesting permission to publish materials from the collections here.