The Donald & Beverly Gerth Special Collections & University Archives (SCUA) serves as the principal location for manuscript collections, rare books, fine press, and university archives at California State University, Sacramento. The primary strengths of SCUA are post-World War II political, social, and environmental history of the Sacramento region, as well as the history and records of the California State University, Sacramento. Special collections include the Japanese American Archival Collection, the Tsakopolous Hellenic Collection, the Southeast Asian Community Resource Center Collection, the Royal Chicano Air Force Poster Collection, the Sacramento Rock and Radio Collection, and the Sexual and Gender Identity Collection. Further collections can be found on the Online Archive of California.
Handling of manuscripts and archival material: Please retain the order in which materials are placed in boxes. Use outcards available from desk staff and remove only one folder at a time. Do not rest items on top of document or write notes on paper or cards placed on top of a document.
Handling of rare books: Rare books should be handled with extreme care. Please do not place stress on the binding by opening book a full 180°. Per the discretion of staff, delicate bound materials will be required to placed on foam supports for viewing.
Handling of photographs: Please use gloves, which are available from desk staff.
Handling other items: Some additional materials will require gloves, which are available from desk staff.
Duplication services: At the discretion of SCUA staff, duplication of originals is available, with some exemptions based on conditions, donor restrictions, and copyright. Please notify desk staff if you want to have copies made. Departmental staff does all copying. Pricing varies based on project.
Camera Use: Under limited circumstances, we allow researchers to use their own cameras to photograph certain materials. Patrons must agree to the guidelines in the “Photography and duplication Agreement Form” form.
Returning materials: All materials are to be returned to the desk staff when you leave for the day. Please let desk staff know if you are finished with the materials or if you wish to place them on hold. If you need to leave the reading room, please inform staff.
Researcher’s responsibility: The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming to the laws of libel and copyright. Please see copyright form for more information.
Citation: Items used must be attributed in a caption, citation, or other appropriate method. Guidelines for attribution can also be found on the Image and Permissions form.
The University Library reserves the right to refuse service for non-compliance with these rules.
*Registration, personal belongings, note taking, cell phone use, computer access, wifi, copyright*
The Diary of Johann August Sutter
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F865.S9 A26
Early Sacramento: glimpses of John Augustus Sutter, the Hok farm, and neighboring Indian tribes
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F869.S12 P33
Sutter's Fort: gateway to the gold fields
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F865.S9 L4
Sacramento: an illustrated history: 1839 to 1874, from Sutter's Fort to Capital City
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F869.S12 S48
Archeological investigations at Sutter's Fort State Historical Monument, 1959
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F 865 .O58
A pioneer at Sutter's fort, 1846-1850
Spec Coll & Univ Archives; F865 .L72
There are many reasons for the lack of representation in archival institutions.
What is the impact of these actions?
The absence of Native American voices in the historical narrative can lead to an inaccurate understanding of history and a misrepresentation of a culture's heritage.
Efforts
NAGRPA: The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act aims to return human remains and cultural artifacts to their rightful communities.
More specifically for archival and manuscript collections is the Protocols for Native American Archival materials. This set of guidelines archivists developed to promote ethical practices around handling Indigenous material, including consultation with travel communities and respecting cultural sensitivities.