- 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, but since may of our materials are too fragile to be copied, staff must give permission.
- 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 Images and Scans
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- High Resolution TIF Scans
Use this form to for detailed information for requesting high resolution scans for personal use or publication. We suggest a $25 donation for the scans (via this page with the relevant collection in the designation field) and if applicable, a complimentary copy of your publication.
- PDF Scans
We are able to provide low resolution, unedited PDF scans of up to 100 pages per patron per year free of charge.
Submit your requests via email to the appropriate collection (friends@swarthmore.edu, peace@swarthmore.edu, or archives@swarthmore.edu)
If additional pages are needed, third party researchers may be available to provide scanning services for a fee.
Audiovisual Recordings
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Depending on the researcher's needs and the condition of materials requested, Special Collections may be able to provide patrons with digital scans of audiovisual materials. You may request up to 5 recordings per year at the suggested donation cost of $25 per item.
- VHS, DVDs, CDs, and Audiocassettes
We have the capacity to digitize these formats (if well-maintained) on site. Patrons may request digitization of up to 5 recordings per year at the suggested donation of $25 per item.
Special Collections staff may determine an item is too fragile to digitize in-house.
- Film, Older Formats, and Fragile Items
Patrons interested in obtaining digitized versions of these types of materials should expect to work with staff to engage the services of a professional A/V Lab. In these cases, Special Collections staff will coordinate the work with staff at the Lab (including preparation, delivery and specifications) while patrons will be responsible for fees (with payments made directly to the Lab.)
Permission + Copyright
Please reach out to our staff about the material you wish to use in publication. They will help determine the copyright status of the items and advise you on how to proceed.