Photo Reproduction Policy

The Chicago Public Library is pleased to offer photographic reproduction services for our collections. While we will attempt to accommodate the research and publication needs of our patrons, our reproduction service operates in strict compliance with U.S. Copyright Law and restricts reproductions when the condition of the original is deemed too fragile or the item is damaged.

Many of the items in the library's collections are no longer under copyright restriction.

In some cases, however, determining the copyright holder can be difficult. To assist patrons, Special Collections makes information about copyright holders available in archival finding aids and other sources. DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE OF COPYRIGHT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL RESTRICTIONS, AS WELL AS OBTAINING PERMISSION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REQUESTER.

The Chicago Public Library encourages copyright holders who are not appropriately identified to contact the library so that we may provide more complete information.

  Photo Reproduction Order Form

Ordering Instructions

1.	Complete the above Order Form and sign the Conditions Governing Use. Be as specific as possible when requesting an item and use an accession number or call number to identify it. Complete information will expedite your request.
2.	Turn in the completed form in person to the Special Collections and Preservation Division Reading Room on the Ninth Floor of the Harold Washington Library Center or fax it to (312) 747-4890. PAYMENT BY U.S. CHECK OR CASH IS DUE AT THE TIME THE ORDER IS PLACED. Credit card payment is not accepted.

Orders take from ten working days to one month to complete and can be picked up in the Special Collections Reading Room or mailed. Special delivery services are not available. For more information contact the Special Collections and Preservation Division's Photographic Reproduction Coordinator at (312) 747-4875.