Copies & Permissions

Copyright in Special Collections

Swarthmore College Special Collections make materials available to patrons without claiming to control the copyright to all materials in our collections. Material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code).

When you use the collections, you agree to bear responsibility for determining whether the intended use of these materials is permitted under U.S. law or if it is necessary to secure additional permission to use them, particularly in publication. The collections' finding aids have additional details about conditions governing use and legal status. You may wish to refer to this guide from the Society of American Archivists as you determine whether you may claim fair use or otherwise use this material without locating rights holders. If you have additional questions, please contact the specific collection that holds the materials:

Copies in the Reading Room

Photographs
Personal devices may be used to photograph our materials. There is also an iPad patrons may use at no charge for taking photographs.

Photocopier
Researchers may use the photocopier at no charge when staff provide permission based on the condition of the materials.

Microfilm Readers + Printing
A microfilm e-reader and an analog reader with a printer are both available for patron use at no charge.

Off-site Requests for Copies

Special Collections staff may be able to provide patrons with a limited number of digital scans depending on the researcher's needs and the condition of the original materials.
 
Formats include low resolution, unedited PDF scans, high resolution TIF scans for publication, and audiovisual formats. If additional pages are needed, third party researchers may be available to provide additional scanning services for a fee.

Please email your request to the specific collection that holds the materials.

Special Collections