Library spaces open to UCSF ID holders. See timeline for reopening.

Archives and Special Collections

Archival research services

The reading room is free and open to the public. Due to the unique and often fragile nature of our collections, materials are available for access under supervised use and by appointment only. We also offer remote reference and reproduction services. Meet our staff and plan your research.

About Archives and Special Collections

We identify, collect, interpret, and provide access to rare and unique materials. We also support research and teaching of the health sciences and medical humanities and preserve the institutional memory of UCSF. Learn more about us and our projects and partnerships.

Major collecting areas​

Along with the UCSF University Archives, our collecting strengths include HIV/AIDS epidemic, homeopathy, tobacco control archives, industry documents, health sciences artifacts, COVID-19 pandemic, teaching with primary sources, biotechnology, and anesthesia.

Digital collections​

These digital or digitized photos, documents, publications, diaries, films, audio, and more are found across various platforms that host our content.

Archives events and exhibits

Connect with us

Subscribe and follow

Subscribe to get the Archives Digest email newsletter.

Follow us on X at @ucsf_archives.

Find us

Open to the public by appointment only on Monday – Friday.

530 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco