Special Collections & University Archives

The Finding Aid Database provides access to a growing number of finding aids for archival and manuscript collections at San Diego State University's Special Collections & University Archives. Finding aids are tools created by archivists to describe collections of unpublished primary sources. Archival holdings can include a variety of materials such as correspondence, diaries, maps, university records, organizational records, photographs, and audio recordings.

As a result of a pilot project, users can view a collection's content digitally, in box and folder order. This approach preserves the intellectual context of a collection and reproduces the way a collection is physically consulted in the Reading Room. Look for the "Virtual Folder" icon in a box list to access these materials. Additional materials from our collection which have been digitized are available via the Library's digital projects site.

Finding aids and virtual items are added to the Finding Aid Database as they become available. This site currently contains descriptions and inventories for most collections, and only sometimes includes digital versions of individual items within each collection. For each collection described in the database, there is a summary description in the library catalog. For further information about any collection, folder, or item please contact the Special Collections reference librarians via our online form, or via email at scref@library.sdsu.edu.

Statement on Copyright in the Collections

San Diego State University Library and Information Access makes digital versions of our collections accessible in the following situations:

• The materials are in the public domain.
• The copyright interests in the materials belong to or have been transferred to SDSU Library and Information Access.
• SDSU Library and Information Access has received permission from a rights holder to make them accessible.
• The materials are made accessible for educational and research purposes as a legal fair use.
• There are no known restrictions on use.

San Diego State University Library and Information Access has made a reasonable effort to secure any permissions needed in order to digitally make available the materials found in these collections for personal or research use.

We would like to learn more about our digital holdings, and to hear from any copyright owners who are not properly identified so that we may make the necessary corrections. If you have any additional information about these materials, or if you would like to suggest a correction, please contact scref@library.sdsu.edu.