Alternate page for screen reader Users
Skip to Main Content

Space Availability - California History

This page is to book use of rare materials or a staff consultation in the California History Room:

The California History Room is now open to walk-in visits by members of the public and State employees for browsing, and use of microform and materials which are not rare or restricted-use.

 

To view restricted-use and rare materials you must:

  • Make an appointment at least 3 business days in advance
  • Participate in a remote reference consultation
  • Provide a list of materials at least 1 business day in advance
    • List must include: item titles, call numbers, and catalog permalinks.

 

How to schedule an appointment:

Step 1: Choose a booking category from the drop-down menu, above

  • Preliminary Research Consultation is a 1 hour appointment with a librarian for an orientation and research guidance. 
    • Please Note: we are unable to pull rare materials during this appointment but can take pull lists for future appointments.
  • Archival and Special Collections is a 3 hour time block to use manuscript collections, photographs, maps, and other rare materals requested in advance.

Step 2: Go to the bottom of the page to select your desired appointment date and time

  • Your appointment is tentative until you have completed a reference consultation with us and we have confirmed your appointment with you.

Step 3: Complete the booking form and submit

  • Your appointment booking is not complete until is has been confirmed with our staff.

 

Need Help?

Contact us for staff assistance:

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. 

Please note:  

All requests must be finalized with library staff at least 1 business day in advance of the appointment. Staff are unable to fill same-day requests for these materials. If you don’t see the appointment type you need, please email us at cslcal@library.ca.gov. We are happy to help. 

 

Material limits: 

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 

To select a different appointment type, please return to the top of this page and select a different category. You can then reselect your date below. 

 

   Available    Your Booking    Unavailable/Padding