About the Collection and How to Use It
The Collections and Archives that Make Up the Eaton Collection
The Eaton Collection is the largest publicly-accessible collection of science fiction and fantasy literature in the world, consisting of over 300,000 items. The collection begins with the 1517 edition of Thomas More's Utopia and includes first editions of many seminal works including Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1818), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1897) and H.G. Wells' The Time Machine (1895).
Manuscripts, Studies and Ephemera
The collection also includes more than 50,000 science fiction-themed comic books as well as the most expansive collection of scholarly studies on science fiction and fantasy in the United States
-
Archives of Authors' Papers
Eaton holds the archives of dozens of prominent science fiction writers and artists. A complete list of the authors and a basic description of the holdings are available. -
Fanzine and Comic Book Collections
Eaton holds the largest collection of fanzines at a public institution. There are over 75,000 fanzines, with fans continuing to donate to its holdings weekly. Search the fanzine collection now. -
Other Significant Collections
The Eaton Collection features additional collections of SF scripts, multimedia collections, fan conventions, newsletters, ephemera and collectibles.
How to Access the Eaton Collection
The Eaton Collection is located in the UCR Libraries' Special Collections & Archives on the fourth floor of Tomás Rivera Library on the campus of UC Riverside. It is open to the public Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
If you would like to work extensively with one of our unique archival collections we recommend that you contact us in advance so that the requested materials will be ready upon your arrival.
The collection may be searched online by using the library's online catalog, SCOTTY. You can limit your search to Eaton's holdings by choosing "Eaton Science Fiction Collection" on the drop-down menu.
Restrictions on the Collection
There are several restrictions and requirements for individuals accessing the Eaton Collection.
- Materials may only be used in the Reading Room. They cannot be checked out.
- A valid photo ID (e.g. driver's license, student I.D., passport) must be presented and will be held at the information desk during your visit.
- Pencils and laptop computers are permitted in the reading room. All other personal items, including cell phones, purses and backpacks, must be stored. PENS ARE NOT PERMITTED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES.
- Researchers may use digital cameras after signing the Guidelines for Camera Use form. No flash photography is permitted.
- No food or drink is permitted in the reading room.
For more information on restrictions, please visit our UCR Libraries "Using our Collections" web page.
The Eaton Collection is the largest publicly-accessible collection of science fiction, fantasy, horror and utopian fiction in the world. It consists of hardback and paperback books, pulp magazines, fanzines, film and visual material, comic books, and ephemera. It is housed in the Special Collections Department of the UCR Libraries, located on the fourth floor of the Tomás Rivera Library.