Make a scanning or digitization request
Submit a scanning or digitization request online or from our reading room. You'll be able to tell us what materials you would like reproduced and any format or quality specifications you might have through the digitization request form. A staff member will confirm your request and send you an invoice if applicable. Please be as specific as possible with your request. Not sure where the material you need is? Get in touch and a librarian can assist you.
- Duke student, faculty, and staff orders are prioritized, with an expected turnaround time of 2 weeks.
- For all other researchers, your order will be delivered 8 to 10 weeks after we receive payment.
Paying for and receiving your order
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- For standard resolution scans, we offer one complimentary order of less than 50 scans per year at no charge.
- Duke affiliates are eligible for complimentary standard resolution scanning requests up to 250 pages per academic year.
- For orders of more than 50 scans, high resolution images, or audiovisual material, digitization is done at a rate of $25/hour.
- Orders may incur a fee, which is based on the type of material and the quality requested. For further detals regarding scanning and digitization costs please consult our Fees Guide.
- For guidance on file types and formats for scanning and digitization orders, please consult our File Type/Format Guide.
- You will be able to pay your invoice by Visa, Mastercard or check. We do not accept cash.
- We cannot produce photographic prints or slides, only digital scans. Your files will be delivered online.
- Scanning and digitization orders are non-refundable. However, we will work closely with you to ensure that we meet your needs.
Limitations
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- Reference quality scanning requests are limited to 250 scans per calendar year; additional reproduction orders will be considered on an as-time-permits basis. Limits on high-resolution scanning and digitization of audiovisual material will depend on the format and quality.
- It may not be possible to reproduce some items in our collection due to donor restrictions, copyright issues, preservation concerns, or physical size.
- The Rubenstein Library reserves the right to refuse a scanning or digitization request if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the request would involve violation of copyright law.
- Reproductions may not be made for or donated to other repositories.
Reading room scanning options
- Use one of our HoverCams, a high-resolution, standalone document camera. HoverCams attach to your Mac or Windows computer and allow you to save images directly to your laptop.
- Bring your camera or camera phone into the Rubenstein reading room to snap digital photos of materials.