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Online Archive of California

OAC LogoThe Online Archive of California (OAC) provides free public access to primary sources—including manuscripts, photographs, artwork, scientific data and more—through collection guides and 250,000 digitized images and documents.

Analogous to catalog records for books, collection guides (also known as finding aids) are the descriptive records used to find, understand, and locate archival resources and unique materials. They help users learn more about the scope of a collection so they know if it is likely to meet their research needs.

The content on the OAC is contributed by archives, special collections, libraries, historical societies, and museums at all 10 UC campuses and across California that house the original materials.

The OAC has a long and notable history, and it played a pivotal role in the first efforts to provide online access to archival material. In 2005, the OAC won the Society of American Archivists’ C.F.W. Coker Award for innovation in archival description.

Online Archive of California's Relationship to Calisphere

Calisphere and the OAC serve two very different user needs. The OAC is the best starting point for research-oriented users who want to go beyond what is available online and locate the actual, physical item. For users whose primary interest is to view digitized images and documents, Calisphere is a place to explore online content.

Online Archive of California Team

NameTitleContact
Hui, BarbaraDeveloper
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Kim, ChristineProduct Manager, Archives
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Mitchell, CatherineDirector of Publishing, Archives, and Digitization
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Montoya, GabrielaContributor Support Specialist (UC San Diego)
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Nelson, ChadTechnical Team Manager
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Schiff, LisaAssociate Director
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Turner, AdrianSenior Product Manager, Archives
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Wieliczka, AmyDeveloper
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