In April 2001, SJSU President Caret signed documentation authorizing the creation of a Cultural Heritage Center. The goals were to provide a collection of materials to support the academic programs, to provide a visible identity for historically underrepresented groups, to provide a location where students, faculty, and others could access materials to support instruction and research, and to provide a location where students, faculty, staff, and members of the community could convene for events related to the mission of the center.

The Africana, Asian American, Chicano, & Native American Studies Center occupies about 6000 square feet of space on the fifth floor of the King Library.

The Center is an open stack area; materials located in the Center are available during Library open hours.