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

To initiate a request, please send an email to library-special@ucsb.edu

Please write "Research Appointment Request" in the subject line to schedule an appointment. 

A UCSB staff member will confirm the availability of the materials of interest and help you to identify the most relevant items so that you can make the most of your time in the Reading Room. If we are able to make those items accessible, the SRC staff will schedule an appointment for you and you will receive an email confirming your appointment time(s) with detailed instructions on visiting SRC.

Visitors will be booked for appointments Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. There will be no more than four appointments booked at a time in the SRC Reading Room. Individuals can request multiple appointments, but they may not be on the same day or week depending on demand.

Due to staffing/retrieval schedules, all materials must be requested at least one week in advance. 

Researchers using SRC materials will be asked to log in to their AEON account using laptops, iPads, or mobile phones.

Copying and scanning are available. A scanner is available for use in the Reading Room for select 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 interim policies and practices enacted to support public health and safety 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.