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Doing Research at the Archive-Library

For In-Person - Please schedule at least one week in advance for on-site research appointments. Please fill out this form to schedule an in-person appointment to conduct research at SBMAL.*

For Remote Assistance - Please fill out this form to request remote research assistance.**

*Please note that submitting this form does not guarantee an appointment. All requests must be scheduled and confirmed by staff. In addition, you must be a Registered Researcher or Friend to visit and utilize our resources in person. Click here for details on how to join SBMAL. 

**Please review Policies and Procedures to see the costs of remote research.

A corner detail of a map of California from the 19th century

Are you working on a California Missions project for class? Visit our education page to find videos, historical materials, and more for all your project needs.

A photo of Mission Santa Barbara circa 1900

Our collections include over 9,000 pages of documents from the Franciscan Missions of California and Arizona, the Junipero Serra Collection, and the De la Guerra family papers. There also include extensive art and ephemera.

​Friends of SBMAL receive discounts on research fees and copies. You can find more information here.

The Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library is committed to collecting and preserving historical and cultural resources pertaining to Franciscan history and Missions and the communities with which they interacted.

"SBMAL is a unique and indispensable resource. Its artifacts and documents tell the deep and complex story of California's diverse peoples - especially Native Americans, Latinos, and Anglos - in a way that is unmatched anywhere else in the state."

-Prof. Robert M. Senkewicz, Santa Clara University

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Welcome to the Archive-Library!

SBMAL is open to researchers by appointment only.
Research hours are available on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, 10:00am to 4:00pm.

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