The City of Hamilton's cybersecurity-related outage has affected some of the services offered by HPL. Our online image database PreView is unavailable, and we are unable to provide a timeline for its return. Some images, such as postcards, can be found online on Flickr. You are also welcome to visit the archives where photographs are available by request. Kindly note that such requests require specific subjects or people of interest, which can be researched in our Where-to-Look Index.

1. What is included in PreVIEW?

2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?

3. Can I download a higher quality image?

4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?

5. Who owns the copyright?

6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?

7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?

1. What is included in PreVIEW?

Local History & Archives has a description of each collection. Many of these descriptions are available online. HPL's photograph collections are divided alphabetically, from A-C to D-Z.

2. How can I access the original photograph, print, etc.?

All of the original photographs, prints and negatives are in the collections of the Local History & Archives Department of the Hamilton Public Library. They are only available in the department. Visit the Local History & Archives Department during our hours of service.

3. Can I download a higher quality image?

The images on the PreVIEW website are low resolution files in jpg format. High resolution images are now available for purchase.

4. What can I do with the image once I have saved it?

Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information, including how to properly credit your use of an image.

5. Who owns the copyright?

Please see LH&A's photograph Terms of Use for more information on copyright for the original and digital images.

6. I can’t find an image I’m looking for, who can I ask?

If you cannot find the image you are looking for, call the information desk at the Local History & Archives Department. (905-546-3408). Staff there will be able to check our other photographic resources to see if that image exists.

7. Why did the Hamilton Public Library create PreVIEW?

Digitization enables the preservation and conservation of the Local History & Archives Department’s image collections, and affirms a responsibility to protect rare materials, yet at the same time make them publicly accessible. The Hamilton Public Library recognizes its role as guardian of the historical legacy of Hamilton and its surrounding areas and steward of these important resources so that they are publicly accessible.