User Guidelines for Special Collections

The Library's quiet study wing houses rare books and unusual collections. Many items are fragile and require special handling. The strongest subject areas are regional history and regional writers, including Jack London, M.F.K. Fisher, and Gaye LeBaron. The majority of regional materials remains in the public access area (3rd floor south near the windows).

All books, periodicals, newspapers, and media in the regional and special collections are included in the Library's online catalog, Snoopy. The manuscript and photograph collections are also in Snoopy, each with a brief description and/or finding aid. A list of our manuscript and photograph collections can be found at the Library's Regional web site.

Help us preserve these collections by following these procedures:

To view a FOLDER or ITEM from locations such as "Gaye LeBaron Room", "Waring Jones Room" or "Regional Archives", an appointment is required. Complete an appointment request form at the 3rd Floor South Information Desk or send e-mail to northbayinfo@sonoma.edu. Your request will be addressed as soon as possible.

To view a BOOK with the location of "Special Collections", complete a book request slip at the 3rd Floor South Information Desk or send e-mail to northbayinfo@sonoma.edu. Be sure to include the call number. Books will be retrieved and made available for your use at the Information Desk the following weekday between 12:00pm and 3:00 pm. Alternative arrangements may be requested.

Viewing special materials will require:

  • An ID to be held by Library staff while material is in your care.
  • Use at a table near the Information Desk or in a secure room.
  • Removal of your belongings, other than paper and pencil, to a safe place.
  • Permission to use electronic equipment.
  • Photocopying by library staff only.

Many items from our collections are being digitized. To search for full documents and images, go to North Bay Digital Collections.