In-Person Exhibits

San Diego State University Library’s Comic Arts Collection includes more than 120,000 published comics in addition to archival collections and ephemera, mini-comics and zines, cartoons in historic magazines, and a modest amount of original comic art. Included in our holdings are the life’s work of American comic book author and cartoonist, Donna Barr; the J. Gordon Melton Vampire Collection, which includes more than 10,000 comic books featuring vampires; and the Ted Adams and Robbie Robbins IDW Founders Collection. The seven cases on display showcase some of the unique items found in the Comic Arts Collection.

Displayed in the SDSU Special Collections & University Archives Gallery, 1st Floor of Love Library.

Social protest has been a recurring theme in comic books, with many writers and artists using the medium to express their political views and social commentary. The comics on display in this year-long exhibit depict different types of protests on a variety of topics, including bodily autonomy, human and civil rights, racial violence, police brutality, antiwar, government policy, environmental issues, fair labor conditions and living wages, and wealth inequality. 

Displayed in the SDSU Special Collections & University Archives Gallery, 1st Floor of Love Library.

Come explore the connections between science and the advancement of modern surfing! 

The exhibit highlights wave energy, tides, types of surf breaks and conditions, as well as custodianship of our oceans, explained through a series of charts, diagrams, photographs, art, and videos. 

“While modern science is forever looking for explanations of what goes on in the natural world, modern-day surfers have been at the ready to apply this knowledge where they can in advancing in the art of riding waves,” says California Surfing Museum President Jim Kempton.

The exhibit has traveled from the California Surfing Museum and is funded by a City of Oceanside Covid-19 Nonprofit Grant.

Displayed in the Donor Hall.

 I-5 is a living archive and curatorial project that surveys California artists and educators working in jewelry and metalsmithing from 1960 to the present. This exhibition features the work of 30 influential artists who have shaped metalsmithing history on the Golden Coast. The I-5 project demonstrates the lineages of and developments in material knowledge across the state, which merge and interconnect much like the interstate highway network it shares its name with.

Displayed in the Donor Hall and Student Computing Hub.

As sciences librarians during Women's Hisotry Month, promoting women in sicnec eholds particular significance for us. By highlighting women's historical and contemporary contributions to STEM - from groundbreaking discoveries to overcoming systemic barriers - we celebrate their acheivements and address the criticial need for greater gender equity in the field. Showcasing diverse role models inspires young women to explore scientific careers, dismantling the misconception that science is a "male-dominated" domain. Promoting the work of women scientists ensures a more comprehensive understanding of scientic progress by acknowledging their unique perspectives and contributions. Ultimately, fostering an inclusive scientific landscape with equal opportunities for all genders is essential fo the advancement of knowledge and innovation.

Displayed in the Library Addition, 1st floor Dome.