Special Collections Department

Information at a Glance

Holdings

Rare books: over 10,000 books and pamphlets
Archival and manuscript material: over 1300 linear feet

Hours

Monday-Friday
Materials must be requested at least 30 minutes before closing time.
Rare Books: 9 am to 5 pm (submit request at circulation desk)
Archives: 8:30 am to 4 pm (submit request to archivist/special collections)

Archives and Manuscripts

Staff

David Stiver, Special Collections Librarian
510-649-2523 | dstiver@gtu.edu

Reference assistance is available by email and U.S. mail, as well by phone and in person during office hours. We encourage those planning a visit to contact us in advance.

Collections

Information about collections is available online and in hard copy.

Manuscript collection by title. A list with links to processed collections in Grace.
Grace: record links to finding aids
Online Archive of California: EAD finding aids
Printed copies of most finding aids are available at the reference desk
Digital Content

To View a Collection at the Library

Complete a Research Request Form
Adhere to Regulations for Use of the Archives
Any bags will be stored while the collection is reviewed.

Basic Rules

Materials can only be viewed in the Reading Room.
A laptop, paper, and a pencil may be used in the reading room.
Photocopying may be done for individual research purposes only. A Photocopying Agreement must be filled out. Copying of fragile, overly brittle, or faded material is not allowed.
Digital Cameras and Scanners Use of a digital camera or scanner to capture images or documents is allowed for certain collections. Please check with the archivist for approval and guidelines.
Restrictions If a donor has placed restrictions on donated materials, those restrictions will be observed.

Offsite Service Fees

See Archives or review Offsite Service Fees.

Rare Books

To View a Rare Book

Complete a Rare Materials Request Form
Adhere to Rare Materials Use Policy
Provide a current photo-ID, preferably a driver's license at the Circulation Desk while using the materials
Any bags will be stored while the collection is reviewed.

Basic Rules

A laptop, paper, and a pencil may be used in the reading room.
Books may only be used in the room arranged for you by library staff
Rare materials cannot be checked out or taken out of the library.
Rare materials may not be copied by the patron. Any duplication requests should go to the reference librarian or collection development.