Reference Shelf
Just like a real library’s reference section, this space is here to support your Disney research. Whether you're a fan, a collector, or a fellow researcher, you'll find curated resources, helpful tools, and a sneak peek into my own personal library.
Browse My Collection
Curious about what’s on my bookshelves? You can explore my library of Disney research materials through my Libib catalogue. It’s a growing mix of nonfiction books, park maps, magazines, and more.
If you come across something of interest, or if you need access to a title for research purposes, want to inquire about its contents, or are trying to track down a related source, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to share information and support other researchers, just like a real library would!
Digital Resources & Helpful Links
In addition to my physical collection, I’ve gathered a selection of credible digital resources to further support your Disney research. This growing list includes trusted book publishers, archival collections, library guides, databases, and more.
Book Lists & Publishers
The Ultimate Disney Books Network
A carefully curated list of published and upcoming Disney books, maintained by Disney historian Didier Ghez. A fantastic resource to stay up to date on the latest titles.Old Mill Press
Publisher that focuses on Disney art, pop culture, film, and historical works.Chronicle Books
Publisher known for Disney books, art collections, and guides.Theme Park Press
Specializes in books about Disney parks, attractions, and theme park history.Disney Books
Official Disney publishing branch offering a variety of titles across genres and audiences.University Press of Mississippi
Publisher of scholarly and historical works related to Disney and American pop culture.
Institutional Collections & Archives
Note on Access: Some collections may have restricted or in-person-only access due to the nature of the materials. Always check with the institution for access policies before planning a visit or requesting materials.
Libraries
The Disney Collection—Orlando Public Library (Orange County Library System)
The materials that make up this collection range from books about the Disney parks, books of Disney art, songbooks, recipes from the parks, and a large holding of printed ephemera provided by the archivist at Disney. There are also several drawers of information, press clippings, and internal Disney newsletters.
This is an online guide to UCLA’s library collections and resources related to the study of Disney film and television, theme parks, critical studies, and popular culture.
John Canemaker Animation Collection—The Fales Library and Special Collections (NYU Libraries)
A source of information on personalities and subjects important to the history of film animation. While the collection includes copies of original material dating from the beginnings of film animation at the end of the nineteenth century, it concentrates on the late 1970's and the 1980's. A large portion of the collection is on Walt Disney and the Disney studio, as well as Canemaker’s own research activity and publications.
Archives
The Walt Disney Archives was established in 1970 to collect, preserve, and make available for research the historical materials relating to Walt Disney and the company he founded.
Museums
A nonprofit organization that features interactive galleries with exhibits narrated in Walt's own voice, alongside early drawings, cartoons, films, music, a model of Disneyland, and more.
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum's Disney Collection includes personal family artifacts donated by the Disney family, such as letters written between Disney family members, gifts from Walt Disney to the city of Marceline, photographs of Walt and Roy during their visits to Marceline, information on The Marceline Project (Walt's plan to build a live history park in Marceline), and more.
This is the home Walt Disney was born in. The house has since been restored and tours can be taken to see it from the inside.
Exhibits
Mirror, Mirror: Reflections of America in Disney Parks Exhibit
This exhibit explored how Disney theme parks serve as locations of public memory, their relationship to stories of American history, and how the parks and the public are both adapting to new understandings of the American experience by complicating historical narratives. This exhibit closed on April 14, 2024 and it was located at the National Museum of American History.
Websites & Databases
An audiovisual archive for the Lake Buena Vista Historical Society. They host a monthly podcast and offer access to a collection of restored Disney park photos and films on their website.
A digital archive that compiles and indexes historical sources related to the Disney company. It includes references and excerpts from various documents, articles, lectures, interviews, annual reports, in-house publications, magazines, and more.
History of Disney Theme Parks in Documents
This is a searchable archive of a collection of documents related to the history of Disney theme parks and the 1939 and 1964 World’s Fairs.
A digital Disneyland archive complete with images, videos, audio recordings, and more!
Research & Historical Societies
Hyperion Historical Alliance (HHA)
A professional organization and non-profit association. They work to preserve documents, artwork, and other materials related to Disney history. HHA has two primary publications: Hyperion Historical Alliance Annual and Hyperion Historical Alliance Monograph Series.
Disney Culture and Society Research Network (DisNet)
DisNet was founded in 2022 to create an international space where scholars could come together to discuss and collaborate on Disney research. As a research network, they provide a range of events and opportunities for their members to celebrate and support their research and careers, including an annual conference, writing groups, mentoring, and much more.
Tools & Guides (Coming Soon!)
I'm currently working on a series of downloadable reference guides to help fellow researchers and fans navigate Disney materials more easily, so stay tuned!
Looking for Something Specific?
If you're trying to track down a source or aren't sure where to start, head over to the Ask the Librarian page—I might be able to assist you!