Current online newspapers typically only include coverage back to the 1990's or 1980's -- sometimes as far back as the 1970's. The newspapers accessible on this page have coverage as far back as the 1800's, or even the 1700's. The length of coverage offered by these newspapers makes them suitable for historical research.
The Meriam Library has a large number of U.S. newspapers on microfilm dating as far back as the 18th century. A large portion of this collection is made up of California newspapers. The microfilm newspapers are located on the 2nd floor of the Library in the Media & Microforms section. Microfilm readers are available for viewing the newspapers, and it is possible to print articles from the microfilm readers.