To view restricted-use and rare materials you must:

• Make an appointment at least 3 business days in advance
• On the Booking Details page, provide the list of materials you would like to view. This list must include: item titles, call numbers, and catalog permalinks.
• Paging will be limited to what can be viewed during your appointment:
  • Books - 20
  • Periodicals - 5 boxes or bound sets (time covered will vary)
  • Manuscript boxes - 5
  • Maps - 10
  • Ephemera and photographs - 5 folders

How to schedule an appointment:

Step 1: Go to the bottom of the page to select your desired appointment date and time

Step 2: Complete the booking form and submit

• You must include a list of materials to be viewed when you fill out the Booking Details form.
• Appointments will be tentative until approved by staff. You will receive one email acknowledging your request and a second email will follow if/when your appointment is approved.

Need Help?

Contact us for staff assistance:

• 916-654-0176
• Ask-a-Librarian
• cslcal@library.ca.gov

Please note:

Staff are unable to fill same-day requests for these materials. All requests must be finalized with library staff at least 1 business day in advance of the appointment.  

If you have any questions about this process, please email us at cslcal@library.ca.gov. We are happy to help.

You have selected: Archival and Special Collections 

This appointment type is for the use of rare or fragile materials, including: manuscript collections, photographs, maps, ephemera, etc.