The Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) was part of a four tier reference service network designed to serve a large section of traditionally underserved rural areas of California. BARC covered nine Northern California public library systems and was headquartered at the San Francisco Public Library. Established as an experiment in 1967 by the California State Library, BARC was shut down in 1988 when US Federal funding for the program ceased. This collection contains administrative papers for BARC including meeting minutes, correspondence, and publications. Also included are workshop materials and records for many of BARC's bi-weekly workshops.

The Bay Area Reference Center (BARC) was part of a four tier reference service network designed to serve a large section of traditionally underserved rural areas of California. BARC covered nine Northern California public library systems and was headquartered at the San Francisco Public Library. It pioneered the use of networking technologies such as teletype and fax machines in providing reference services to patrons at far-flung and rural libraries. BARC published its magazine Synergy from 1967-1971, which won 2 ALA HW Wilson Library Periodical Awards, and was succeeded by BARC Notes from 1971-1988.

9 cartons, 2 oversize flat boxes (12.8 Cubic Feet)

All requests for permission to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted in writing to the City Archivist. Permission for publication is given on behalf of the San Francisco Public Library as the owner of the physical items.

The collection is available for use during San Francisco History Center hours, with photographs available during Photo Desk hours. Collections that are stored offsite should be requested 48 hours in advance.