The library and archive of the prominent local historian, educator, and bibliophile Don Meadows (1924-1994) formed the foundation of the California History collection when UCI purchased it in 1972. Meadows' collecting focused on Orange County, but he also collected California and Baja California. In addition to a personal library of several thousand volumes, he accumulated a large ephemera collection (brochures, pamphlets, handbills, broadsides and posters), maps, and photographs. Thousands of volumes and many archival collections have been added to the Don Meadows Papers in the ensuing years.
UCI's 1972 General Catalogue is illustrated with items selected from the Meadows collection.