Services
Learn more: Frequently Asked Questions »
Special Collections provides the following services. If you have further questions, please contact the Special Collections reading room during our normal hours.
Interlibrary Loan
While materials in Special Collections are noncirculating on interlibrary loan, it may be possible to obtain some items as photocopies or scanned file attachments. We reserve the right to decline a request based upon the material's condition and/or the copyright laws. Individuals are advised to contact a local public or research library and its interloan program. Information about MSU's interlibrary loan unit can be found at InterLibrary Services - Document Delivery: Lending.
Copying Services and Privileges
To assist patrons in their research, Special Collections offers limited on and off-site copying and digital photographic services. We reserve the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in our judgement, fulfillment of the order would violate copyright law, or damage the material. The sale of a reproduction does not imply an authorization to publish. It is the reader's responsibility to obtain permission to publish texts and facsimiles from the owners of the copyright.
1) Photocopy services are provided for patrons visiting Special Collections. Due to the fragile condition of the materials, photocopies are 20 cents per exposure and patrons are limited to 20 copies. Payment is by cash or check only. Requests made within 30 minutes before closing may be filled the following day.
2) As a general rule, all photographic copying of manuscript material is prohibited.
3) Digital cameras and personal scanners are permitted in the Special Collections reading room for patrons who wish to make copies for scholarly use. Patrons using this equipment must have the permission of a Special Collections staff member to ensure the safety of the material and adherence to copyright law.
4) On-site scanning requests are filled by the MSU Library Copy Center. Digital images are in TIFF format and all scanning is 24 bit color depth at 300 dpi, or 400 dpi if requested. All files are saved to a CD. The cost is $1 per image and $1 for the CD. Normal turn around time is 24 hours, unless the request is large and/or complex. Pick up and payment of orders is at the Copy Center.
5) Off-site scanning requests are referred to the MSU Library Interlibrary Services. Digital images are 400 dpi either in grey scale or color with format in either JPEG or TIFF. Ariel or Odyssey delivery is preferred, but images can be scanned to a drop box and the borrower provided access to the file. Regular ILL services fees cover cost of scanning; at this time there are no extra charges for ILS scanning services.
6) Requests for microfilm and other duplication services should be directed to the head of Special Collections.
Reprints
A small selection of our materials are available for reprint through MSU Press.
