The Department of Special Research Collections acquires, preserves, and makes accessible rare, valuable, or unique materials that support UC Santa Barbara students, faculty, and research programs, as well as the scholarly community. The department's holdings are non-circulating but are available for research in the reading room by appointment.

How to Request an Appointment

  1. Let us know which date you would like to come in. Due to staffing/retrieval schedules, all materials must be requested in advance.We are open Monday through Friday, 9AM to 12PM and 1PM to 4PM.
  2. Register as a researcher here: https://researchspecial.library.ucsb.edu/
  3. Review the collection guide: https://oac.cdlib.org/institutions/UC+Santa+Barbara::Special+Research+Collections and let us know which materials you would like to see by clicking on the grey "Request items" box and following the instructions.

Please let us know if you have any follow-up questions by emailing us at special@library.ucsb.edu

Limited copying and scanning may be available. A scanner is available for use in the Reading Room for slect materials. Permission may be required for some instances. See additional information regarding reproduction, use fees, and permissions required via this link https://www.library.ucsb.edu/special-collections/research/forms. 

Before You Visit

Prior to your appointment, please review the terms of use for the UCSB Library Special Collections.

Those approved for special research appointments agree to:

  • Adhere to the Library’s policies and practices enacted to support safety and public health for the benefit of all Library users and Library staff. 

When You Visit

On the day of your appointment, please:

  • Bring your UCSB ID Card or other government-issued identification.

  • Come to the Mountain Side entrance near the Summit Cafe to enter Special Research Collections.

  • Email us: library-special@ucsb.edu if you have any questions.