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Special Collections

Subject specialists
Melinda Hayes
melindah@usc.edu
(213) 740 5141

Barbara Robinson
brobinso@usc.edu
(213) 821-2261

Dace Taube
taube@usc.edu
(213) 821 2366

Claude Zachary
czachary@usc.edu
(213) 740 2587

Reference services & research help

  • Research consultation
    • Melinda Hayes (213) 740 5141
    • Barbara Robinson (213) 821 2261
    • Dace Taube (213) 821 2366
    • Claude Zachary (213) 740 2587
    • Research service reference desk (213) 740 4039
  • Make an appointment with Melinda Hayes, Barbara Robinson, Dace Taube, or Claude Zachary
  • Electronic assistance: Ask-A-Librarian
  • Reference desk hours
  • Research guides

Collections

Special Collections are available for research under supervised conditions in Special Collections. They are accessible primarily through the reading room in the Feuchtwanger Memorial Library which is on the second floor of the Edward L. Doheny Jr. Memorial Library. Special Collections encompass rare books, manuscripts, and archival collections. In addition to housing a high proportion of rare and unique materials, Special Collections also contains many thematic special collections whose individual parts may not be 'valuable' or 'rare', but, as an aggregate, constitute a historically significant body of material. Keeping these materials together as a special collection enhances their research value. Special Collections support teaching and research through the doctoral level and beyond in all areas of specialization, though primary strengths reside in the following areas:

  • American Literature
  • East Asian Studies
  • German Exile Studies
  • Iberian & Latin American Studies
  • Los Angeles & Southern California Area Studies
  • Natural History
  • Philosophy
  • USC History

The collection also supports teaching and independent study through the undergraduate level in almost all areas of study.

  • New Special Collections acquisitions
  • Special Collections journals
  • E-resources in Special Collections
  • Collection development policy

Instruction services for faculty

To schedule a class taught by Special Collections specialists, select "Request-A-Class" below. To inquire about tours for guests or orientations for new faculty or students, contact the Special Collections specialists.