Using Cameras in the SCRC Reading Room

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Researchers may make limited use of cameras (such as digital or video cameras and mobile phone cameras) to copy special collections material.

Researchers who wish to use this service must register with the reference staff during their visit, and agree to observe the following conditions:

1. Items must be approved by SCRC staff before they are photographed. Note that some materials cannot be photographed.
2. You may photograph materials for the purpose of research or study only.
3. You must fill out a Copy Request Form, listing all items to be photographed, before creating any images.
4. Do not use a tripod, camera flash, special lighting or extra equipment.
5. Do not disturb other researchers while photographing documents or include researchers in your photograph without their permission.
6. Copy documents from one folder at a time.
7. Keep documents flat on the table at all times.
8. If the format of the record makes it difficult to photograph, for example a tightly bound volume obscures the edges of a page, you may not attempt to flatten or dismantle the record.
9. Do not ask (or expect) SCRC staff to assist you in photographing records by holding files or books open.
10. Place a “SCRC Copyright” template on each page you photograph. Reference staff will supply the template. Please return it when you have completed your work.
11. You may not reproduce the images you create in any form; this includes reproducing on the web.
12. SCRC reserves the right to view the digital images on the researcher’s camera to verify the number of images taken.
13. SCRC retains the right to deny requests for any reason.

Camera Use Fees: $3.00 for a CD to burn the images to disk

Copying and Copyright

The Special Collections Research Center furnishes copies of special collections material as an aid to private study, scholarship, or research. The Center reserves the right to refuse copying because of the physical condition of the material, restrictions on the material, or copyright laws. The amount of copying may be limited at the discretion of the Center or the donor; copying for other than scholarly purposes may be limited at the discretion of the Center or the donor.

The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, U. S. Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproductions. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copy order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of the copyright law.