SJSU Special Collections and University Archives contain rare, old, valuable or fragile library materials that cannot be removed from this area. Collection strengths are in local history, literature and the arts, and San José State University.

The Sourisseau Academy is a university society that promotes research in local history. This collection is located with the SJSU Special Collections.

The Steinbeck Center contains specialized materials concerning author John Steinbeck, including manuscripts and first editions. It is the largest Steinbeck research archive in the world.

The Center for Beethoven Studies holds a collection of materials on the composer, and is the largest Beethoven research archive outside of Europe.

The California Room contains books and other materials related to California and its history.