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.
You have selected: Preliminary Research Consultation
This appointment type is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with a librarian for guidance in beginning your research, an orientation to the library's resources, and assistance in identifying materials to request. Choose this appointment type if you want help getting started.
Please note:
Not all materials are available to view the same day. If, during this consultation, you identify rare materials to view, you will need to make a follow up Archival and Special Collections appointment.
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.
Please email cslcal@library.ca.gov or call 916-654-0176 if the available times don't work.