Reproduction of Archival Materials

For research purposes, patrons may use their own digital cameras or cell phones to photograph archival materials.

Caltech Library staff can also photocopy or scan archival materials for a fee of $1.50 per page. Please email archives@caltech.edu to request digitization of specific folders.

While we will do our best to fulfill your request in a timely manner, digitization, order processing, and/or clearance requests may take additional time due to volume and staff time. We cannot guarantee turnaround times.

Permissions and Copyright

Permission to publish may be requested and should include the following: identification of the material to be published, including ID numbers of any photos; the name of the collection, the box and folder number of a manuscript collection when applicable; the title of the proposed article, book, or dissertation; the journal title for articles; the name of the publisher for books or the name of the producer for broadcasting, streaming or internet posting, and the anticipated date of publication, broadcast or posting. A statement of permissions being requested should also be included; for example, territory, duration, languages, print run and edition, derivatives or ancillaries, and media.

For images and materials where Caltech retains copyright, publication, broadcasting, distribution or reproduction in any medium is prohibited without prior written permission from the Caltech Archives. In such instances, our Materials Release will be prepared to cover the details—and subject to one time use only, unless otherwise stipulated. In most cases use fees will apply. Patrons will be invoiced for fees and services and prepayment will be requested.

Where Caltech does not clearly hold the copyright, the Caltech Archives cannot grant or deny permission to use the material. It is the responsibility of the patron to attempt to locate the copyright holder. Any materials provided by the Caltech Archives are in accordance with Section 107 and Section 108 regarding library and archives exceptions of the United States copyright law.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE:  The copyright law of the United States (Title 17 of the U.S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted materials. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be “used for any purposes other than private study, scholarship, or research.” If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction in excess of “fair use,” that user may be liable for copyright infringement.

Fees and Services

Please note the following:
•    Reproduction (duplication) fees are separate from fees for copyright permission.
•    Members of the Caltech community are eligible for reduced fees.
•    We accept Visa, MasterCard, or check.
•    All fees are non-refundable and are subject to change without prior notification.

Reproduction and Service Fees

Use fees for images under Caltech copyright

Use fees for audiovisuals under Caltech copyright

Miscellaneous fees