To request high-resolution scans of manuscript material for publication please contact us via Ask a Schlesinger Librarian. When writing to us, include a description of the item and the location (call number and folder, or image number from the catalog. 

To request high-resolution scans of visual resources (photographs, illustrations, posters, etc.), please contact us at Ask a Schlesinger Librarian. All requests are considered on a case-by-case basis. If you want to request low-resolution scans for research purposes, more information is available on our Requesting Copies for Personal, Research Use Guide.

Existing Digital Images:

• Publication-quality digital copies (300 ppi Tiff files) of existing digital images in the online catalogs can be provided by Harvard's Imaging Services. The cost is $20 per 1-10 image files, plus a fee for electronic delivery.
• Standard turn-around time on orders is 15 business days from receipt of payment. Rush orders may be available for an additional fee depending on availability. See the Imaging Services web site for more information.
• Requests for Existing Digitized Photographs: Requests are processed by Harvard's Imaging Services. Pricing information is available on their Patron Services webpage.

Flickr Commons:

• Download hi-res images of public domain images directly from our Flickr Commons page.

New Digitization: 

• To request high-resolution reproductions of either photographs, slides, or negatives that have not been digitized yet, you will need to place your request using a HOLLIS Special Request account. Follow the instructions on Harvard's Imaging Services website to place an order, noting their preference for having a single order of one lead image with an attached spreadsheet indicating details for additional items. It is recommended that you organize your image research data onto a single spreadsheet and include the following details for each image in separate columns:
  • description of photograph, slide, or negative
  • creator of image (if available)
  • title and number of folder where material was found
  • box number
  • collection number
  • collection name

• Requests for reproductions created from negatives are limited to 20 negatives per researcher or single research team over a six month period. Limits on requests renew every January and July. We will be in touch if the material you have requested to have reproduced is closed, fragile or otherwise restricted.
• If you plan to visit the library first to review the available material before placing your requests, please inquire about publication-quality photoduplication flags at the Reading Room desk. These flags are provided for marking the material you would like to have imaged, and are provided as a courtesy to expedite the photoduplication request process. 
• New digitization starts at $20 per photograph or slide, and $25 per negative, with additional fees for fragile, oversized, or bound material. There is an additional fee for electronic delivery, and there may be additional handling fees for large orders. Please contact Harvard's Imaging Services to learn more about pricing estimates for your order. They can be reached at imaging@fas.harvard.edu.
• Rush orders may be available for an additional fee depending on availability. See Harvard's Imaging Services for more information.

If you have any questions, please contact us via Ask a Schlesinger Librarian.