Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take a tour of the archives?
ONE staff offers group tours of the archives by appointment only. The tours are free of charge, but we encourage donations to the archives in support of our services. Please contact ONE at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to schedule an appointment.
What is ONE’s relationship with USC?
The collections at ONE Archives became a part of the University of Southern California Libraries in 2010. USC has fully committed to supporting the archives and its mission; however ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives Incorporated continues to operate as an independent non-profit organization supporting the archives’ collections as well as presenting programs, exhibitions and other activities. ONE relies on the contributions of volunteers and financial support from the community to support our historic collections and to maintain our essential services.
How do I donate materials to ONE?
We preserve and provide access to a wide range of LGBTQ materials. Please contact the archives at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to discuss adding your materials to the largest LGBTQ archive in the world.
Can I hold an event at ONE?
ONE archives hosts events serving a variety of audiences. To discuss hosting your event, please contact ONE at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org.
Do I need an appointment to do research?
Researchers are encouraged to schedule an appointment. Public hours for visitors and researchers are as follows:
Tuesday & Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Wednesday & Thursday: 1:00pm – 9:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 5:00pm
Closed Sunday & Monday
A research account is required to use materials or order reproductions from the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. To register and request items before your visit, please log on here.
To schedule an appointment or to discuss scheduling research outside of our regular hours, please contact us at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org.
How do I view film and/or video from ONE’s collections?
Many of our audio-visual materials are stored off-site or require off-site equipment to view. Please contact the archives at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to discuss availability.
Can I view unprocessed archival collections?
A partial list of unprocessed archival collections is available here. Access to unprocessed collections may require special handling or be subject to restrictions. Please contact the archives at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to discuss researching unprocessed collections.
What happens when I arrive to do research?
Researchers must present a valid state identification card or passport to the desk attendant on duty. The attendant will have you fill out and sign a research form agreeing to ONE Archives’ rules and guidelines. A research account is required to use materials or order reproductions from the ONE National Gay & Lesbian Archives. To register and request items before your visit, please log on here. After registering as a researcher, the attendant will then retrieve the requested materials and bring them to your reference table, one box at a time. Please contact askone@onearchives.org to discuss options.
What are the guidelines for viewing ONE materials?
No food or drinks are allowed inside ONE Archives. No pens are allowed while handling archival materials, but pencils and paper can be provided upon request. Laptops, cell phones, and cameras are allowed, but personal scanners are prohibited. You may take photographs or photocopies of the materials at $0.25 per page, to be paid at the front desk at the end of each day’s research. Refer to the Research Guidelines and Reproduction Guidelines for more information.
Does ONE loan materials for exhibitions?
ONE loans materials for exhibits on a limited case-by-case basis. Please contact us at (213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to discuss options.
Can I check a book out from ONE’s library?
ONE Archives is a non-circulating library. All materials are viewable only in our reading room. Please refer to the Reproduction Guidelines for information regarding making copies of materials.
How do I publish images I find at ONE?
Please refer to the Reproduction Guidelines, Reproduction Services and Fees, and Reproduction and Use Agreement forms for information regarding publication of materials from ONE’s collections.
Does ONE take submissions for gallery exhibitions?
ONE Archives reviews artist and exhibition proposals on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at
(213) 741-0094 or askone@onearchives.org to discuss options.
