Manuscript Collections

Located in: Special Collections & University Archives

The UCR Library holds over 275 manuscript collections of both personal and family papers and organizational records that document a wide range of subject areas. Primary source materials that are contained in the manuscript collections include documents, photographs, diaries, correspondence, maps, sound/video recordings, artifacts, and more.

The major emphases of the library's manuscript collections are:

  • California History and Culture
    Emphasis on the Inland Empire region of Southern California
  • Literary and Cultural Studies
    Focus on Science Fiction and Fantasy literature
  • Latin American History and Culture
    Strong holdings on the Mexican Revolution and Paraguay
  • Ethnic Studies
    Concentration on documenting the African American, Native American, Asian American, and Chicano/Latino experience
  • History of the Arts
    Strengths in music, poetry, and dance
  • Citrus and Sub-Tropical Fruit
    Extensive resources on the horticulture, agronomy, and production of citrus, dates, avocados, and more.

Nearly all manuscript collections are discoverable in the UCR catalog. Many also have extensive finding aids available on the Online Archive of California and select digital collections can be accessed through Calisphere.