Research at the Archive
Policies and Procedures
The Santa Bárbara Mission Archive-Library is a research and educational non-profit institution dedicated to the collection and preservation of, and access to, historical and cultural resources pertaining to Franciscan history and Missions and the communities they interacted with, especially in Colonial New Spain, Northwestern Mexico, and the Southwestern United States.
Due to our limited hours and staffing constraints, access to SBMAL’s collections is by appointment only and all researchers must be members of the Friends of the Archive-Library (please inquire about special student rates).
Your membership will help us continue to provide access to this unique collection of historical material and to continue our conservation efforts.
Fee Schedule for Remote Research Assistance
SBMAL staff will continue to provide remote research assistance to interested researchers as we reopen for in-person appointments. Researchers who wish to access the materials in SBMAL’s collection virtually can contact SBMAL staff by phone or email to discuss their project. Staff will assess a service fee to the researcher for staff time and resources. The fee schedule follows:
SBMAL members: $40 per hour – minimum one hour, then increments of an hour after that
Non-members: $50 per hour – minimum one hour, then increments of an hour after that
Please be advised that this fee will be in addition to any/all fees for copies, scans, shipping, etc.
Hours and Appointments
PLEASE NOTE, AS WE REOPEN, THE ARCHIVE-LIBRARY WILL BE LIMITING APPOINTMENTS TO 2 RESEARCHERS AT A TIME. APPOINTMENTS ARE ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS AND MUST BE SCHEDULED IN ADVNACE.
We ask that all researchers wear a mask or face covering while visiting, and reschedule their appointment if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms or have recently been exposed to COVID-19.
The Archive-Library is open for appointments on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, from 10am to 4pm. We close from 12pm to 1pm for lunch. To make an appointment, please email research@sbmal.org.
We are closed on federal holidays and other occasions. Please inquire with SBMAL staff directly for changes to our schedule.
Access Guidelines and Procedures
To learn about our access guidelines, please view details here.
Requesting Copies
To learn about our reproduction policies, please view our guidelines here.
If you would like a digital or print copy for research or publication purposes, please download, fill out, and return the corresponding forms to research@sbmal.org.
Digital Scans Request - Research Only
Photocopy Request - Research Only
Reproduction for Publication and Use
Duplicate Art - for Publication