collections
USING THE RESEARCH LIBRARY & ARCHIVES
Members of the public are welcome to use the PMH Research Library & Archives for both personal and professional research projects during our regular hours; no appointment necessary. Visitors will be assisted by Archives staff and volunteers, who are the only individuals permitted to retrieve research materials from storage. Use of the materials is restricted by rules intended to protect and preserve them in good condition for the future. We look forward to helping you with your research.
Notice Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
The Museum’s Reading Room & Archives are closed until further notice
Note to Researchers:
While the Reading Room & Archives are closed, we encourage you to search the photograph collections of PMH and other institutions on the Pasadena Digital History Collaboration website.
Read our full Notice Regarding COVID-19 (Coronavirus).
USING THE PMH Research library & ARCHIVEs
PMH Research Library and Archives staff and volunteers work closely with members of the public to assist with individual research needs while making sure proper procedures are followed.
While a library user may be accustomed to finding a specific answer to a specific question quickly, the archives user must be prepared to spend a lot of time “digging” for answers. Although staff and volunteers do provide direction and advice, researchers are encouraged to spend some time looking for what they need on their own.
Hours: 1:00 to 4:00 pm Thursdays through Sundays.*
*The Research Library & Archives will be closed the week of 12/27-12/30. Please note that the entire Museum is closed on all major holidays. Check our calendar for specific dates.
Archival Collections
reproduction services
Reproduction services are available for a fee (photocopies or scans). All reproductions must be first approved by a staff member—fragile or over-sized material may not be able to be copied. Personal digital cameras (no flash!) may be allowed for certain materials with approval by a staff member.
Photocopy Charges
$.20 + tax (8½ x 11)
$.30 + tax (11x14)
$.40 + tax (11x17)
Scan Charges
$5 + tax per scan (no larger than 8½ x 11)
For Profit Non-profit Personal
Reference/Décor $50 $25 $15
Publication $50 $20 $15
Film/Broadcast/Online $100 $20 $15
Advertising/Exhibition $150-$500* $20 $15
*Prices vary depending on use; please inquire.
Copyright
The Museum and Pasadena Library's physical ownership of the materials in its collections does not imply ownership of copyright. It is the user’s responsibility to resolve any copyright issues related to the use and distribution of reproduced materials.
RESEARCH SERVICES
Staff and volunteers in the Research Library are happy to conduct basic research free of charge for researchers who cannot visit the Archives in person. Please email your questions to research@pasadenahistory.org, being as specific as possible. Research requests are handled in the order received. There can be a delay of several weeks before a request is completed.
There are charges for photocopying, scanning and mailing the results of our research (see Reproduction Services).