Oxy’s Special Collections houses a dynamic assemblage of rare books, manuscripts, art, and cultural artifacts acquired through generous donations and strategic collecting. Spanning centuries, continents, and formats, the collection functions as a hands-on laboratory for the study of material history and human expression, and offers rich opportunities for interdisciplinary teaching and research.
Areas of particular strength include the history of Los Angeles and California, history of the book and visual arts, history of science, English and American literature and history, European age of exploration. These materials foster critical thinking, primary source literacy, and meaningful engagement with the material past.
The College Archives preserve the institutional memory of Occidental College through a wide array of materials that document its history, people, and evolving identity. The archives include photographs, administrative records, personal papers, scrapbooks, printed ephemera, clothing and realia, audiovisual materials, and more. These resources offer students and faculty a rich foundation for original research and creative projects, supporting engagement with local, institutional, and cultural history across disciplines. Whether exploring student life, academic programs, or broader social movements, the archives provide direct access to the lived experiences that have shaped the College community over time.
Helena de Lemos
Special Collections Librarian
hdelemos@oxy.edu
Alanna Quan
Archivist
aquan3@oxy.edu
Sarah Parramore
Interim Director
parramore@oxy.edu
Jocelyn Webb Pedersen
Coordinator, Book Arts Program
pedersen@oxy.edu
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