The Special Collections Department at CSUDH collects, organizes, describes, and makes accessible unpublished and published materials relating to local, regional, and state history. Unpublished materials include visual materials, manuscripts and organizational archives. Published materials include books, periodicals, newspapers, maps, posters, and ephemera. Researchers may learn more about the holdings through the Library catalog.

The holdings of Special Collections consist of primary historical material documenting the past of South Bay Los Angeles and many other diverse subject areas. These materials are generally within larger collections and have been donated by members of the CSUDH community and the local area.

Special Collections also houses the Rare Book Collections.