CSSF Research Center

Now Re-Opened to Serve SF Researchers

Resources include a diverse library of SF scholarly works, novels, magazines, photographs, recordings, and much more.

The Center was founded in 1982 as a focus for the science-fiction programs that James Gunn created at the University of Kansas beginning in 1970. For most of that time, we have served the SF community as a virtual resource center, except for the large SF Special Collection at the Spencer Library. This was the Library's fastest-growing special collection, mostly through gifts. However, when the libraries recently changed their acquisition policies, we found ourselves having to reject donations of materials that the Library could no longer accept. Additionally, much of the Library's SF collection has gone uncatalogued due to space and labor limitations.

All this changed with the recent Wescoe Hall move, when the Center finally found a physical location first in 3081 and finally in 3040 Wescoe Hall. Starting with the Summer 2007 semester, scholars researching SF have access to materials and work space, including a desk and computer; our AboutSF student employee also has a work space; our Campbell and Sturgeon Awards can be on display; and donations unsuitable for the Library finally have a home. Already we have filled six bookshelves, part of a file cabinet, and various surfaces with materials, and visiting scholars from around the world have stopped by to take advantage of our resources. Come visit us and take advantage of our research resources!

If you would like to donate materials for SF scholars and writers to use in this new space, let us know. We collect and make available media materials, art, photographs, audio materials, and of course books and magazines. So if you have something taking up space in your attic that an SF researcher might find useful, send it to us!

Here is our physical address if you wish to visit:

Center for the Study of Science Fiction
3040 Wescoe Hall
1445 Jayhawk Blvd.
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS  66045

Note that our mailing address is slightly different, as mail goes to the English Department office:

Center for the Study of Science Fiction
Department of English
1445 Jayhawk Blvd, Room 3001
Lawrence, KS  66045

Summer 2007: The Center for the Study of Science Fiction gets an office!

Nov. 29, 2007: The Center hosted an Open House, complete with snacks, beverages, and of course research resources. Our little house-warming celebrated science fiction in grand style; thanks to everyone who stopped by to check out what the Center has to offer!

Summer 2008: Members of the KU Science Fiction Club helped pack up the Center's office for the move. Thanks to Chris K, Court F, Matt M, and Nate for getting everything in boxes in just a couple of hours!

Spring 2009: The Center's office re-opens for visitors!