USC Chan Archive
Our Collections
Special Collections
Archives create resources for researchers called finding aids, which are detailed descriptions of archival collections and their contents. Finding aids are used to better understand a collection and to determine if it contains materials that are relevant to their research.
To view detailed descriptions of the archival collections at the Chan Archive, please see our finding aids on the Online Archive of California. Please be aware that more finding aids will be added gradually.
If you have specific questions or would like to view our archival collections in-person, please contact us by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule an appointment. Please include in your email the following:
- First and last name
- Preferred dates and times to visit the Chan Archive
- Your area of research OR the name of the collection and box numbers you would like to view which can be found in the collection’s respective finding aid
Theses and Dissertations
We can assist in helping researchers access either the physical or digital copies of theses and dissertations written by department alumni.
If you have specific questions or would like to view physical copies in-person, please contact us by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule an appointment. Please be aware that the Chan Archive may not have physical copies of all theses and dissertations.
To view digital copies, please visit the USC Digital Library.
Books and Journals
The Chan Archive has a small library comprised of non-circulating books and journals available for your research needs.
Book categories include:
- Alumni publications
- AOTA (American Occupational Therapy Association)
- APTA (American Physical Therapy Association)
- Arts and crafts
- COTA (Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant)
- Evaluation
- Faculty publications
- Geriatrics
- History
- Management, policy, and training
- Mental health
- Neurological
- OT textbooks
- Pediatrics
- Reference
- Rehabilitation
- Research
- Theory
If you have specific questions or would like to view our books and journals in-person, please contact us by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to schedule an appointment.
For more resources, please view the USC Libraries online catalog.
Artifacts and Exhibitions
Historical artifacts from the Chan Archive can be found on display throughout the first floor at the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign® and on the second floor in the Reading Room.
The images below show a small selection of the exhibits and artifacts from the Chan Archive. View a slideshow of these items.
Displays/Exhibits
Zlatohlavek/Reilly Bear Collection
This display containing Paddington and Aunt Lucy represents the extensive bear collection of former Department Chair Harriet Zlatohlavek.
Weaving Exhibit
Weaving was introduced into Occupational Therapy curriculums as early as 1918; this main floor exhibit displays examples created at USC through the 1980s.
Woodworking/ Needlepoint Exhibit
This display case highlights handmade crafts from the Reilly & Zlatohlavek estate, including a wooden figure, which was carved by Harriet Zlatohlavek in 1937; a needlework pillowcase from the Reilly/Zlatohlavek collection; and books on woodcarving and needlework.
Reilly/Zlatohlavek Furniture
Personal artifacts, including this antique furniture donated by the Reilly & Zlatohlavek estate, enhance the archive’s print collections.
Artifacts
Mary Reilly’s Army World War II Jacket, c. 1941-1955 (Jacket donated by Linda Florey, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA)
Mary Reilly held various positions with the United States Army Medical Department, including Chief of Occupational Therapy at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. (1950-1952). She also served as an OT consultant to the Office of the Surgeon General.
Florence Cromwell’s WAVES Hat, 1945
A high fashion accessory of the wartime era that included three different hat coverings to match the season. [Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service]
Harriet Zlatohlavek Army ID
Harriet Zlatohlavek’s Army ID pin, adding her personal touch with the crochet backing.
Birmingham Hospital Plaque
Harriet Zlatohlavek worked as Chief Occupational Therapist in the Paraplegia Clinic at Birmingham Hospital, Van Nuys, from 1944 to 1946.
Florence Clark Slagle Clock
The Eleanor Clarke Slagle Lectureship Award honors a member of AOTA who has creatively contributed to the development of the body of knowledge of the profession through research, education, and/or clinical practice. Dr. Clark’s 1993 lecture was titled Occupation Embedded in a Real Life: Interweaving Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy.
Elizabeth Yerxa Diploma Cylinders
These degree tubes held Elizabeth Yerxa’s honorary doctorates: Exeter University, 1995 (blue); University of Gothenburg, 2002 (black).
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