About the Library

search the library buttonThe San Diego Archaeological Center Library holdings focus on the anthropology, archaeology and history of San Diego County. Associated fields represented include marine life, ceramics, fauna, flora, geology and art. The catalog contains over 10,000 entries for books, journals, magazines, monographs, and media files; and over 2500 archaeological reports. The Center Library also contains a small collection of children’s books and an assortment of books about the California Missions.

Catalog entry of materials is on-going and the on-line catalog will be updated periodically. The organization and catalog entry of maps is in the early stages. Almost 50% of the archaeological reports have been entered. The Center Library also has a number of digital reports, photographs, slides, audio and video cassettes that are in the process of being catalogued.

Library Catalog

There are two databases that can be searched. There is one for books, journals, magazines, maps and monographs. There is a separate database for archaeological reports that can only be searched with a password. Search the library.

Library Hours

Monday – Friday 10:00am – 3:00pm. The Library is closed weekends, and Federal holidays. Appointments are recommended. Please contact the Center Librarian Suzanne Moramarco at 760-291-0370, or email at smoramarco@sandiegoarchaeology.org or library@sandiegoarchaeology.org.

Volunteers and Donations

The Library can always use volunteers to perform a variety of tasks, including cataloging, labeling, sorting and repairs. Visit our Volunteer and Internships page for more information.

Due to the high volume of donation offers the Center receives, we are unable to accept unsolicited books, images, or documents unless you first submit a completed donation form. For donation policies and forms, visit our Collections page. The Library reserves the right to not add donations to the collection and dispose of such items as appropriate.

Past donors have included the San Diego County Archaeological Society, and Dr. Raymond Starr, history professor, who donated their entire libraries to the Center. The collection of Dr. Starr includes many biographies of notable San Diegans as well as his personal files containing newspaper and magazine clippings, written oral histories and notes from his many years as a history professor at San Diego State University.

Collections Research

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will identify, design, and conduct an original research project that uses the Center’s archaeological collections. The intern will formulate a plan for public dissemination of the project results as a journal publication, a museum exhibit, or a public class or lecture. During the course of the research and dissemination planning, the intern will receive training in research design, collections management, artifact analysis, and exhibit design and production as appropriate to the selected project.

Archaeology Lab Positions

Volunteers will prepare one or more archaeological collections for curation. Center staff will instruct the volunteer on archaeological laboratory procedures such as basic artifact analysis, manual and computer cataloging, storage requirements, and preventative conservation.

Exhibitions

Exhibitions Volunteers assist with the design, construction, and installation of Center Museum exhibits.

Volunteers work in the Center’s Research Library, cataloguing materials and organizing on a computer-based system.

Marketing and Administrative Volunteers assist the Development Office or Administration Office with data entry, updating marketing materials and clerical tasks. Computer experience is a plus.

Docents welcome visitors and answer general questions regarding the Center and exhibits. Docents staff the gift shop and help out with administrative and curatorial tasks.

Volunteers support event activities at the Center, such as the Annual BBQ, lectures, workshops, and fundraising events. Be a part of the party!

Volunteer provide support for K-12 programs offered at the Center. These are fun, hands-on programs that kids really enjoy. Teaching experience is a plus, but not required. Background checks are required.

Collections Management

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will prepare one or more archaeological collections for curation. During the course of the internship, the intern will learn to identify artifacts and ecofacts common to the San Diego region, including lithics, ceramics, historical objects, and faunal, botanical, and mineral specimens. Center staff will instruct the intern on archaeological laboratory procedures such as basic artifact analysis, manual and computer cataloguing, storage requirements, and preventative conservation. In addition, the intern will become familiar with historical trends in archaeological practice in the San Diego area and will be introduced to current legal and ethical issues in archaeological curation as well as the concerns and rights of culturally affiliated groups with regard to archaeological materials.

Development and Marketing

Under the direction of Center staff, the intern will support the department in various activities, including, but not limited to, fundraising and grant research; e-newsletter development; social media marketing; and website maintenance. This internship will give the intern valuable, real-world experience in non-profit fundraising and marketing.

Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology

Prospective Interns must have completed three courses: Introduction to GIS, GIS Database Management, and Intermediate/Advanced Methods in GIS. The intern will be assigned a project where they will create shapefiles and maps for curated archaeological collections, museum exhibits, and/or public outreach using ArcGIS 10.6. Center staff will instruct the intern on archaeological GIS laboratory procedures such as computer cataloguing, storage requirements, and database management.

Library Science

With the assistance of Center staff, the intern will arrange and catalog materials in the Center’s library. During the course of the internship, the intern will take a leading role in the cataloging, sorting and storing of research files and creating user guides for these collections. Center staff will instruct the intern on archival procedures, computer cataloging, storage requirements, and preventative conservation.

Public Archaeology

With the assistance of Center staff, interns will research, design, and produce a project that educates the public about archaeology or a related field using the Center’s archaeological collections. Interns may create virtual museum exhibits and related activities, develop curricula for K-12 programs in line with current content standards, or plan and present a public class or lecture. Per approval, special projects of the intern’s choosing are also available. During the course of the research and planning, the intern will receive guidance as appropriate to the selected project.