Special Collections materials may be reproduced in accordance with the limits of the Copyright Act and Special Collections policies. Special Collections may set restrictions to protect fragile, damaged, or oversize materials. Special Collections staff will make all copies and cannot guarantee that all materials will be available for reproduction. If approved, please allow at least 10 business days for staff to provide reproductions. Requests may take longer than 10 business days or necessitate increased fees, depending on size of the order, nature of the request, condition of the book(s), and the number of orders already in line to be filled. Special Collections staff will communicate about these differences.

In addition, while Special Collections often retain at least three (3) and sometimes more copies of original documents, especially printed and published materials, these are NOT for distribution to researchers and other interested parties.

Prepayment is required prior to the release of all reproductions.

  • How do I request photocopies?

    Charges for photocopies are as follows: 

    • $30 per request

    Print Copies

    There is a postage and handling charge for any/all photocopies that are mailed. 

    Digital Copies

    There is no postage/charge for sending digital scans of documents or objects. Digital copies will only be sent electronically. Special Collections staff may not retain digital copies of the scanned materials, so patrons are encouraged to accept and back up said files. Standard fees will apply to any requests for rescanning materials.

    Limitations

    We do provide photoduplication services for remote researchers, but do have a limit of 5 folders or items requested per quarter (every three months) per researcher. 

    Special Collections staff reserves the right to limit the total number of requested scans.

  • How do I request a photo?

    The following guidelines have been crafted to insure the preservation of all original materials and that copyright laws are respected:

    • Special Collections Photographic Collections are non-circulating; originals do not leave the facility
    • All digital imaging and other duplication processes will be performed/coordinated by Special Collections staff members
    • Researchers can request reference copies of images for research purposes; however, high resolution digital files and prints will be provided only to researchers who have completed a use/authorization form, paid all applicable fees, and have received the approval of Special Collections.
    • Authorization of use does not constitute Special Collections' endorsement of a publication or project
    • Special Collections reserves the right to refuse image requests due to preservation or copyright concerns
    • All researchers are asked to give Special Collections at least 10 business days (once the image requested has been identified, located, and verified by the researcher) to complete image reproduction requests. Requests may take longer than 10 business days, depending on size of order, nature of the request, and the numbers of orders already in line to be filled.

    Due to the nature of archival and manuscript collections, Special Collections may not have exclusive copyright or ownership rights of all photographic materials in the collections. All known copyright information will be provided however, Special Collections does not provide copyright research services and assumes no responsibility for resolving questions of copyright.

    Imaging Fee Schedule Applies:

    Fresh scan: $10.00 per photograph


    File Retrieval (if high-resolution image file already exists): $5.00 per image

    Non-Commercial Use / Publication Fee: $15.00 per image

    Commercial use / Publication Fee: $50.00 per image

    Please Note:

    • Larger sizes, quantities and specialized orders can increase the cost, archives staff will inform researchers of cost differences at time of request.
    • Permission must be obtained from Special Collections before any documents can be published.
    • Publication fees may apply. Contact Special Collections for more information.

    Please direct inquiries to the lib-archives@cua.edu or 202-319-5065.

  • How do I request audio and moving image files?

    The following guidelines have been crafted to help insure the preservation of all materials and that copyright laws are respected:

      • Special Collections collections are non-circulating; originals do not leave the facility
      • All digital imaging and other duplication processes will be performed/coordinated by Special Collections staff members
      • Researchers can request reference copies of images for research purposes; however, high resolution digital files and prints will be provided only to researchers who have completed a use/authorization form, paid all applicable fees, and have received the approval of Special Collections.
      • Authorization of use does not constitute Special Collections' endorsement of a publication or project
      • Special Collections reserves the right to refuse image requests due to preservation or copyright concerns
      • All researchers are asked to give Special Collections at least 10 business days (once the image requested has been identified, located, and verified) to complete image reproduction requests. Requests may take longer than 10 business days, depending on size of the order, nature of the request, condition of the item(s), and the number of orders already in line to be filled.
    • Varying fees for the Preservation, Conservation, and Digitization of non-digitized media will be the responsibility of the requester, and will be performed by a vendor selected by Special Collections. Generally, vendors will charge several hundred dollars to digitize audio and moving image media. Requesters should start their project early because the digitization process can add weeks or months to a request.
    • Media is digitized "per request" only

  • How do I request copies from the Rare Book collection?

    Rare Books

    Charges for digital scans are as follows: 

    • $30.00 per title

    Digital scan requests of rare books are available upon request. Special Collections staff will review each request to help insure the preservation of all materials and that copyright laws are respected. Please note:

      • Special Collections reserves the right to refuse scan requests of rare books due to preservation, copyright, or other concerns. 
    • Requests should be made for one book at a time. Special Collections staff may limit requests beyond one book, due to staffing or other concerns.
    • All researchers are asked to give Special Collections at least 10 business days (once the book requested has been identified, located, and verified) to complete digitization requests. Requests may take longer than 10 business days or necessitate increased fees, depending on size of the order, nature of the request, condition of the book(s), and the number of orders already in line to be filled.
    • Special Collections may not have exclusive copyright or ownership rights of all printed materials in the collections. All known copyright information will be provided; however, Special Collections does not provide copyright research services and assumes no responsibility for resolving questions of copyright.

    Pamphlets and Parish Histories

     Charges for digital copies are as follows: 

    • $5.00 per title for works under 50 pages
    • $30.00 per title for works over 50 pages

    The following guidelines have been crafted to help insure the preservation of all materials and that copyright laws are respected:

      • Special Collections reserves the right to refuse image requests due to preservation or copyright concerns.
    • Requests should be made for one pamphlet or parish history at a time. Special Collections staff may limit requests beyond one book, due to staffing or other concerns.
    • All researchers are asked to give Special Collections at least 10 business days (once the book requested has been identified, located, and verified) to complete digitization requests. Requests may take longer than 10 business days, depending on size of the order, nature of the request, condition of the book(s), and the number of orders already in line to be filled.
      • Researchers can request reference copies of pamphlets and parish histories for research purposes or personal use only. Special Collections cannot provide authorization for the print or digital publication or distribution of these materials.
    • Special Collections may not have exclusive copyright or ownership rights of all printed materials in the collections. All known copyright information will be provided; however, Special Collections does not provide copyright research services and assumes no responsibility for resolving questions of copyright.

  • How do I request theses and dissertations?

    Special Collections acts as the repository of last resort for all Catholic University theses and dissertations. Patrons are welcome to arrange onsite appointments to access hard copies, but we do not generally loan out or reproduce our copies. Patrons may contact Mullen Library to access their print copies or request a photocopy via: Dissertation/Thesis Request Form


    Campus Patrons


    Current Catholic University faculty, students, and staff have the option to borrow a print copy, access the digital copy in Digital Collections or visit Archives to use a copy on site (for those items that have not yet been digitized).


    External Patrons


    All patrons outside the Catholic University campus may contact Mullen Library for access questions on theses and dissertations. You may contact the Library via the form: 


    Dissertation/Thesis Request Form.


    If requesting a digital scan of a thesis or dissertation, the flat rate is $30.00 per title.

  • How do I make payments?

    The preferred payment method is check or money order. Such payments should be made out to “The Catholic University of America”. 


    For long-distance payments via credit card or wire transfer, please contact Special Collections staff for instructions: lib-archives@cua.edu
For further information on the reproduction of archival materials, please email or call the Special Collections Reference Archivist at lib-archives@cua.edu or (202) 319-5065.