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Conducting Research

Services and Fees

The Archives Reading Room is open to the scholarly public. Researchers may also submit initial research inquiries by phone or email.

The Archives’ services include photocopying and electronic reproduction of images and text. Permission for publication is available for one-time, non-exclusive use.

All services require prepayment by credit card.

When publication is intended, an application for publication rights for any material quoted or reproduced from the University Archives must be submitted to the Archivist in writing.

Reproduction Requests

Researchers wanting copies of documents for research purposes may request paper or digital copies to be made by the University Archives’ staff, or use their own digital device (camera, smartphone, tablet, etc.) to photograph documents provided no flash is used. Researchers who wish to use their own devices must first receive permission from a staff member. The University Archives reserves the right to refuse reproduction requests – either by University Archives’ staff or researchers – which may threaten the preservation of the documents.

Reproduction Fees
Photocopies for Research (paper or digital) $5.00 per folder
High Resolution Scans/Digital Files
400dpi at 100% of original size $25.00 per image
Custom size or other special request $35.00 per image

Requests for Permission to Publish

Requests for permission to publish are to be submitted to the Archives by mail, fax and email. The applicant must specify the title of the piece, publisher, intended print run, and publication date. The fees and permission are granted for one-time, non-exclusive use. Additional printings such as electronic formats, international editions, or book clubs, require further permissions and fees. The permission to publish is not effective until the applicant receives, signs, and returns the permission contract.

Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. Photocopies are provided for scholarship and research purposes only and may not be further reproduced.

The University Archives complies with United States copyright law (U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, 90 Stat 2541; U.S. Code Title 17). It is understood that the copyright law of the United States governs the making of photocopies and reproductions of copyrighted material. It is therefore understood that the publishing party assumes all responsibility for obtaining permission for use of any material where copyrights, literary property rights, or other forms of ownership of intellectual property may apply, in conformance with the provisions of the United States copyright law.

The fee is waived for non-profit institutions. All non-profits, however, must provide suitable documentation such as a letter of identification.

Usage Fees
Commercial publication $100.00 per item
Commercial publication, cover or endpaper $350.00

Research Services

A flat fee of $15.00 is charged for any research requests requiring photocopies and less than an hour to complete. All research requests requiring more than an hour are subject to an additional $25.00 per hour charge and any reproduction requests. The Archives is unable to provide extended research assistance.

Researchers may email the Archives to submit initial research inquiries.

Copyright Regulations

The Copyright law of the United States (U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, 90 Stat 2541; U.S. Code Title 17) governs the making of photocopies and reproductions of copyrighted material. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain permission for use of any material where copyrights, literary property rights, or other forms of ownership of intellectual property may apply, in conformance with the provisions of the United States Copyright law. PHOTOCOPIES ARE PROVIDED FOR SCHOLARSHIP AND RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY AND MAY NOT BE FURTHER REPRODUCED.

Supplying a photocopy is not an authorization to publish. When publication is intended, an application for publication rights for any material quoted or reproduced from the University Archives must be submitted to the Archivist in writing.

Services Elsewhere at Penn