California State University, Fullerton's University Archives and Special Collections Section is located on the third floor of University Library-South in Room PLS-352. This section operates as a closed stacks, controlled rare book reading room. Secialized materials do not circulate and must be used in the reading room, but a photocopier is available on site. Staff is available to answers questions and assist with research.

With the authors permisson, the following notes are taken from an article by Farron Brougher, Anaheim Libraries Examiner on February 21, 2011:Behind closed doors- Special Collections at Cal State Fullerton.

"Special Collections at California State University, Fullerton is like your highly intelligent and very rich crazy uncle’s attic, but more organized... The doors aren’t literally closed, but the stacks are. Patrons request materials, and they are delivered to the small table in the compact reading room. This not the vast space at Chicago’s Newberry nor the splendidly appointed room at Penn State’s Paterno Library, but the modest facilities serve the purpose of making rare and even unique treasures readily available to the public. As is customary, Special Collections also houses the university archives."

"In 1992, the Patrons sponsored the publication of Very Special Collections, edited by Albert R. Vogeler and Arthur A. Hansen. This volume showcases some of the 56 collections, and it is from this source that this sample of the “highlights of the highlights” is drawn. Though much remains the same, much has changed since 1992. This is as it should be; the mission of special collections is threefold: to acquire, preserve and provide access."

"A recent join venture by the Patrons and the library illustrates how Special Collections evolves to keep pace with changing library technology. In an effort that took nearly six years, a small team of library employees and volunteers digitized and catalogued the map collection. (Full disclosure: the author was a technical consultant for the project.) The digital images, linked to searchable catalog records, will soon be available online. (Please see the slideshow for sample images) Researchers will be able to view not only entire maps, but also selected details in close-ups. Online viewing will allow pre-selection of maps for viewing when visiting the campus."

"An account of Special Collections would be incomplete without mentioning ephemera. The Oxford English Dictionary concisely defines that dusty-sounding term: “collectable items that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.”Postcards, road maps, programs, campaign buttons, railroad and airline timetables, menus, posters, and in Orange County, vintage orange crate labels. In short, the contents of your crazy uncle’s attic."