California State University, Northridge, University Library, Special Collections and Archives

Special Collections & Archives is the home of CSUN's rare book and periodical collections, as well as its archival and manuscript collections. In Special Collections & Archives users can perform research, engage in classes using primary sources, or view exhibitions. Our collections are made available to researchers in a supervised reading room. We welcome users, and ask for understanding concerning our special procedures, which are designed to ensure these collections are available in the future.

Special Collections & Archives is comprised of five areas within the Library which were independently established between the 1970s and 1990s. In 1993 the Urban Archives Center, University Archives, and Special Collections areas were combined, and became Special Collections & Archives. The Old China Hands Archives was added in 1996, and the International Guitar Research Archives in 2000. While each group of collections has a unique history, patrons can access all materials in the Special Collections & Archives Reading Room (University Library, Second Floor, room 228.)

Collections in the department include archives, manuscripts, rare books, periodicals, maps, prints, art, and more. They focused on several topical areas including the growth and development of Los Angeles, the history of CSUN, the history and development of the classical guitar, people from other countries and cultures who have resided and worked in China, American literature, California and the West, children's literature, the history of printing and publishing, human sexuality, music, and 19th century European history.

CSUN Special Collections and Archives is a participant in the LAAS and ONE Archives Hidden Histories project.