Plan Your Visit
As part of our commitment to research, teaching and creative scholarship, Cal State LA Special Collections and Archives offers a series of Academic Support Services from research appointments and consultations to instructions sessions and tours. Our Fee-Based Services include duplication, publication, and distance research requests.
Hours
The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room is on the 2nd floor, Room 2079 University Library South/Palmer Wing.
Open Monday – Thursday 10 am – 5 pm
Reading Room Guidelines
Special collections and archival materials do not circulate beyond the Reading Room.
Food and/or beverages must be stored in the designated area.
Use pencils only.
Leave personal belongings like bags, backpacks, coats, and non-essential items in the lockers by the Welcome Desk.
Laptops, cell phones, and personal devices may be used in the Reading Room. Laptop cases must be stored in lockers.
Handling
The general guideline to handling various paper-based materials is to make sure your hands are clean and dry. Oils from your skin and moisturizers may damage materials.
Manuscript Materials
-
Remove only one folder from one box at a time.
-
Turn pages gently and keep documents flat on the table.
-
If you notice damaged materials or folders out of sequence, notify the Welcome or Reference desk Library Personnel.
-
Keep folders/items in order.
Photographic Materials
-
Use gloves to handle photographic materials such as photographs, negatives, and slides.
-
Light boxes and magnifying glasses are provided to take a closer look at negatives and slides.
Rare Books
-
Open books only as far as they will open easily. Make sure not to flatten the book as it can cause potential damage.
-
Book cradles and special weights will be provided to support the book.
Audiovisual Materials
-
Access to audiovisual materials is subject to overall condition.
-
Audiovisual equipment will be provided to listen and view analog materials such as cassettes, LPS, CDs, and VHS tapes.
Reproduction
Cell phones can be used without flash.
Images are for personal research use or study.
Researchers must secure written permission from Special Collections and Archives to reproduce or reprint materials. The researcher also assumes responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel and copyright.
Up to 20 pages of materials may be scanned at no charge. Subsequent pages are subject to a fee.
Plan Your Visit
Request Research Appointment
Special Collections and Archives materials are available for research by students, staff, and faculty, as well as the public.
We highly encourage scheduling a research appointment 1-week in advance. Walk-ins may be accommodated depending on the materials requested and the availability of staff to fulfill the request.
Use Online Archive of California (OAC) to browse collection guides of all the available collections at Cal State LA.
To schedule an appointment, please fill out the Research Appointment Application.
Once your request has been processed, you will receive a confirmation email within 2-3 business days. Not all requests are guaranteed. Research visit confirmation is subject to the status of the collection(s), as well as staff and reading room availability.
Request a Research Consultation
For in-depth research help, schedule a Research Consultation for one-on-one or small group assistance with a Special Collections Librarian.
All appointment requests should be made at least 1-week in advance as Research Consultations cannot be guaranteed to walk-ins.
To schedule an appointment, please fill out the Research Consultation Form.
Plan Your Instruction Session
Special Collections and Archives Librarians welcome the opportunity to collaborate with faculty and community groups. We focus on providing hands-on learning experiences and developing skills in evaluating and using primary sources. We work with faculty to develop course-specific projects and assignments that encourage student engagement with special collections and archival materials.
We are located in the Palmer Wing of the University Library, 2nd floor, room 2079.
Possible sessions include:
- Introduction to Special Collections & Archives
- Assignment Specific Instruction
- Primary Source Analysis
- Assignment Consultations
- Special Collections & Archives Tours
- Exhibit Preparation Workshop
Request an Instruction Session
To help us prepare for class visits, we require a minimum of three weeks' advance notice and a completed Instruction Request Form.
After submitting your request, please allow 2-3 business days for confirmation.
The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room accommodates a maximum of 20 students at a time as we believe smaller class sessions are more conducive to an interactive and hands-on experience. If your class is larger than 20 students, we are happy to schedule two separate sessions.
Independent Study
The Special Collections and Archives Reading Room is a unique, hybrid space open to all students, faculty, and staff for archival research as well as independent study.
Stop by to view our exhibits and displays, too!
Due to class sessions and special events, the reading room may be closed intermittently throughout the semester. Signage will be posted accordingly.
Tours & Group Visits
Special Collections and Archives offer tours of department spaces, collections, and exhibitions. Our tours provide a glimpse into archival work, daily activities, and upcoming projects. Tours are geared towards the campus community, k-12 schools, and the public. To schedule a tour email specialcollections@calstatela.edu
Directions & Parking
Special Collections and Archives is located in the Palmer Wing of the University Library, 2nd floor, room 2079.
Please see Visitor Parking for information about available lots, daily parking rates, and alternative transportation methods.
