Copy requests can be submitted by remote researchers and those who cannot visit in person. To place a copy request, you will need a HOLLIS Special Request account. To learn more about placing a request for copies, please review the Requesting Materials Guide for instructions.

What we can scan:

• Up to 250 pages of manuscript material.

  • Requests should be submitted in 5 folder batches.

    • We will process up to 5 folders at a time. Please do not submit a subsequent round of requests until your previous round of requests has been scanned and delivered to your account.

    • If you have a prioritized order for your requests, please include a list of the folders in priority order in the "Special Request/Questions?" field of your order.

      • If the batch of folders you have requested exceeds 250 pages, and you have not shared a prioritized list with us, we will scan requests in folder number order.

  • The Library provides copies of full folders only. For example, if you request a folder of correspondence from a collection's finding aid in HOLLIS for Archival Discovery, we will provide a copy of the full contents of the folder rather than a selection of letters by correspondent or date range within the folder.

• 20% of a copyrighted work.

These limits on requests renew every January and July, and there are no fees for this service. We will be in touch if you request copies of photographs or closed, fragile or otherwise restricted materials.

Copies will be provided in digital format, via PDF files. The Library does not provide hard copies.

Scans provided for reference by the Schlesinger Library may be used to support private study, research, or classroom teaching, and will not be put on deposit at another repository.

Timeline for Request Completion:

Requests are processed in the order received, with priority given to Harvard students and faculty. Depending on request volume, copy requests will be completed within approximately 4 weeks, sooner if possible. If you have questions about the status of your request or need to change your request, please contact us via the Schlesinger Library Ask a Librarian web form. You can cancel or resubmit requests directly through your HOLLIS Special Request account.

202,000 pages!  That’s how many pages we scanned for researchers during our closure due to the pandemic. Through an all-out staff effort, we were glad to be able to provide robust scanning services to researchers all over the world at a time when no one could travel.