Explore Our Unique Holdings
Explore the history of CSUSM and the surrounding region. Special Collections houses rare books, manuscripts, photographs, and institutional archives that support research and learning. Our collections document unique stories, local industries, and historical records. Select a collection below to learn more, or contact us to arrange a visit or research consultation.
Bonnie Biggs Papers
Materials related to Dr. Lotesee Patterson (Comanche); tribal libraries; AILA; CSUSM's Tribal Liaison, Native Advisory Council, California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, Tukwut mascot, sculpture, and courtyard
Brewchive®
The Brewchive® is an archive of San Diego county's brewing activity from personal and business aspects primarily from the 1980s and on. The Brewchive® holds materials from individuals, breweries, organizations, and affiliated businesses involved primarily with beer, but also cider, mead, kombucha and distilled spirits.
California State University San Marcos publications
Campus publications issued by a variety of academic departments, administrative units, and campus organizations. Publications highlight faculty, student, and alumni accomplishments; community members and events; fundraising and annual reports; and upcoming workshops, campus events, and opportunities.
Celebrator Beer News publications
Complete print archive of Celebrator Beer News brewspaper, 1988-2018.
Cross-Cultural Center Records
Operational and programmatic records related to CSUSM's Cross-Cultural Center and its predecessor, Multicultural Programs.
Dan Rios Papers
Image archive from the Escondido Times-Advocate and North County Times newspapers, 1968-2001.
Government Documents
The University Library's government documents are stewarded by Special Collections. Most of our government documents are cataloged and can be found via the Library's OneSearch discovery tool.
Green Flash Brewing Company, Incorporated Business Records
Operational records from Green Flash Brewing Company.
Henry Rodriguez Collection
Materials related to the life of Henry Rodriguez (Luiseño), California Indians, the San Luis Rey River water settlement, and the preservation of Luiseño cultural heritage.
Oral History
Oral histories are one-time, never-to-be repeated guided interviews with a specific line of inquiry, usually the narrator's participation in an event, movement, or profession. They can also be biographical in nature. Oral histories are rich primary sources that give first-hand accounts, with reflection, from the interviewee.
Paul Ecke III Ranch and Family Papers
Records documenting the operations of The Paul Ecke Ranch and family life of the Ecke family.
Ron Packard papers
Collection of congressional activities of Ron Packard, Republican U.S. Representative, CA-43 and CA-48.
ScholarWorks
ScholarWorks is the CSU-wide database of scholarly research, publications, data sets, and more, and Special Collections' Scholarly Communications subunit manages CSUSM submissions to the database. Hosted by the Chancellor's Office, it is also where the electronic theses, graduate projects, and dissertations are held.
Special Collections Serials
Newspapers, newsletters, magazines, and other regularly and irregularly published titles relevant to North San Diego County and its constituent communities.
Stone Distributing Company records
Records documenting Stone Brewing Co. and Stone Distribution Co.
Together-Apart: The COVID-19 Community Memory Archive
Created by the CSUSM University Library in response to the arrival of the COVID-19 disease in California and its related societal impacts 2020-2022.
University Archives
The University Archives contain materials relevant to California State University San Marcos from its origin in 1989 through the present day. Materials include, but are not limited to, papers, colloquia, maps, photographs, audiovisual recordings, realia, and legal documentation regarding the founding and growth of the 20th CSU.
California State University San Marcos and North San Diego County vertical files
Newspaper clippings, press releases, and ephemera related to the history and people of CSUSM, North San Diego County, and Southwestern Riverside County.
West Coaster Records
Print and digital archive of the West Coaster: San Diego Beverage News and its sister publications.