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Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dallas Public Library’s Digital Collections?
Dallas Public Library’s Digital Collections are composed of digital images, videos, audio, books, maps and other documents from the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library’s special collections. Digital collections focus heavily on historical Dallas, but genealogical collections and fine books cover a wider range of locations.
How can I get reference assistance?
Staff at the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library is available to provide reference assistance via email, over the phone, and in person. If in-depth research is needed, Dallas Public Library staff provides remote research for customers for $20 per half hour, capping at 1 hour of research per customer, per month. To initiate a research request, email texas@dallas.gov.
How do I cite material found in the Digital Collections?
To cite an item in the Dallas Public Library’s Digital Collections, click on the “Quotation Mark” icon to the left of an item and a citation will be created.
Can I save searches or bookmark items?
Yes. You can create a free account, using the “Login” button to the left. Once you’ve created your free account, you can bookmark content and save your searches. You can also organize bookmarked content into individual collections.
Why has a potentially harmful item been included in the Digital Collections?
Material selected for inclusion in Dallas Public Library’s Digital Collections does not constitute an endorsement of the historical material’s content or the views expressed therein. The Dallas Public Library is committed to making available a broad spectrum of ideologies reflecting diverse points of view, including historical items that could be considered offensive and inappropriate by today’s standards. The library provides equitable access to accurate historical records, so that researchers can analyze them in the context of their historical time period and place.
If you encounter any content in our digital collections that you feel needs to be modified, please contact texas@dallas.gov.
I have items that I would like to donate to Dallas Public Library’s Digital Collections. How do I do that?
We are always looking for pieces of history to add to our collections! Please contact texas@dallas.gov and tell us about your items.
The J. Erik Jonsson Central Library also has the Heritage Lab, a preservation space where you can scan and digitize large format materials, slides & negatives, audio and video.