Research Library | Natural History Museum of Los Angeles
Library Contact Information
Research Library Historical View
The Research Library as it looked around 1930. Some of the chairs and tables are still in use today.
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About the Research Library
The Research Library has been an integral part of the Museum since it's founding in 1913, and its holdings reflect the breadth of its collections. The collection consists of materials in a variety of fields, most particularly regarding anthropology, ethnology, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology, and history – especially as it relates to Southern California history, geography and industry.
The Library primarily provides services to support Museum research staff. The library is also available for other researchers by appointment only from
10 am-4 pm Monday to Friday.
Search the Library’s Online Catalog
The Research Library's collection supports studies in anthropology, ethnology, zoology, mineralogy, paleontology, and history with over 200,000 books, journals, maps and Special Collections materials.
Search the Library's Online Catalog.
Research Library Volunteer Opportunities
The Research Library at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County is considered a specialized cultural institution library with subject collections in selected areas of natural history. Internships are considered part of the Museum’s volunteer program and therefore are unpaid opportunities. All interns are directly supervised by the Chief Librarian. While a science background is helpful, it is not required.
Possible projects (subject to change) include:
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Original and copy cataloging using OCLC including backlogs of subject collections in sectional libraries including the Page Museum at La Brea Tar Pits and the William S. Hart Ranch and Museum (Newhall, CA) locations
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Retrospective catalog conversion from Dewey to Library of Congress classification
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Image collections and scholarly publications management
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Integrated library system customization and management
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Global scholarly publications exchange program management
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Research and proposal writing for funding support
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Book repair and conservation
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Map collection management
For more information about intern opportunities within the Research Library, contact the Librarian at (213) 763-3388 or librarian@nhm.org.
For more information about volunteering in other areas of the Museum, please contact (213) 763-3341 or volunteer@nhm.org.