The Historical Newspaper Collection consists of miscellaneous issues of newspapers published both domestically and internationally from the 17th to 20th centuries. The collection includes primarily American newspapers, however, there is a small collection of publications from Australia, France, Japan, Mexico, Nova Scotia, and the United Kingdom. Part of the collection was used as a teaching tool at San Diego State University by two communications professors in their respective classes: Dr. Barbara Hartung, now professor emerita, and Dr. Diane L. Borden. Additionally, many of the newspapers in the collection include coverage from World War II. The collection is divided into three series: Local Newspapers (1868-1986), National Newspapers (1704-1994), and International Newspapers (1685-1956).

The Local Newspapers (1868-1986) provide a variety of both mainstream and grassroot newspapers and magazines published in San Diego county.

The National Newspapers (1704-1994) consist of mainstream and religious publications from outside San Diego County and across the United States.

The International Newspapers (1685-1956) includes mainstream newspapers published outside of the United States. Specifically publications from Australia, France, Japan, Mexico, Canada, and the United Kingdom.