Contact us

Use the form below to report technical problems, send us comments, or ask questions about Calisphere. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions first to see if your question has already been addressed.

Mail

Calisphere
California Digital Library
Office of the President, University of California
415 20th Street, 4th Floor
Oakland, CA 94612-2901

Phone/Fax

CDL Helpline: (510) 987-0555
CDL Administration: (510) 987-0425
Fax: (510) 893-5212

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I find out more about a particular item, or see the original?

If you have a question about an archival collection, photograph, work of art, or document that you found through this site, or if would like to see the original, you will need to contact the institution that owns the item Calisphere does not own any of these materials.

To find contact information for the institution that owns a particular image or document on Calisphere:

1. Locate the item in Calisphere.
2. Find the contributing institution's web site. (If the owner is not listed in the image information, click "More information about this image.")
3. Go directly to the contributing institution's web site and inquire about their policies. View a complete list of contributing institutions.

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2. Who owns the images and texts available on Calisphere?

Calisphere hosts thousands of photographs, documents, works of art, and other historical materials from the libraries of the University of California and the collections of other learning and cultural institutions, including museums, historical societies, and archives. The original materials reside in the contributing institution, and have been digitized for viewing online. Calisphere does not own any of these materials.

To locate contact information for the contributing institution: View a complete list of contributing institutions.

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3. Do I need permission to use a particular item from Calisphere?

Teachers may use Calisphere texts or images in their classroom without seeking permission. However, you may need permission for other uses, such as in an article, book, or web page.

For more information on copyright, see the Copyright Statement and Conditions of Use.

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4. How can I get permission to publish or reproduce an item I see on Calisphere?

The contents of the Calisphere database are made available to the public by the contributing institutions that own the collections. These materials are intended to be used for research, teaching, and private study. All items may be protected by the U.S. Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.C.). Usage of some items may also be subject to additional restrictions imposed by the copyright owner and/or the institution. For more information on copyright, see the Copyright Statement and Conditions of Use.

For information about the copyright status of a particular digital image or text, or for permission to publish or obtain a reproduction of a particular collection item: Please contact the institution that owns the collection. View a complete list of contributing institutions.

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5. What is the correct way to cite an image from Calisphere in a paper or presentation?

The Library of Congress web site has excellent information about citing primary source material.

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6. Can you appraise an item for me?

We do not offer appraisal services. If you have an item that you feel one of Calisphere's contributing institutions would be interested in, or might have more information about, you will need to contact the institution directly. View a complete list of contributing institutions

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