Copying Documents
If an item that you are interested in is out of copyright, let us know as we may be able to add it to our list of priorities for digitisation (a flowchart which provides information about the duration of copyright is available through the National ArchivesLink opens in a new window).
Copying documents during your visit
You may use your own hand-held camera (without flash) in the Modern Records Centre, as long as there is no risk of damage to the material being photographed and no disturbance is caused to other readers - please check first with the reading room supervisor. There is no charge for this facility.
It is not possible for researchers to photocopy or scan archive material in the reading room. This includes the use of hand-held scanners.
Requesting copies
If you are unable to visit, photocopies or digital scans of archive material can usually be provided for a fee. All photocopying and scanning of archival material is carried out by and at the discretion of Modern Records Centre staff, and orders are subject to our ability to process and fulfil them. No more than 150 copies can be supplied to any one customer per month. In order to avoid the risk of permanent damage to the archives in our care, we will not usually photocopy bound material, but may be able to provide scans.
Placing an order
If the material you want to be copied is still in copyright (most of the documents held at the Modern Records Centre are), you will have to complete and submit a copyright declaration before we can supply you with a copy. There are different legal provisions and separate forms for published and unpublished material:
Copyright forms are downloadable in pdf format. If you would prefer a form in alternative format, please contact us.
Once the form has been downloaded, it should be printed out and completed in ink. Please give the document’s reference number in full, and include your name and a permanent postal address. The completed forms should be returned to the Modern Records Centre, either by post or as a scan attached to an email.
More information about the implications of copyright legislation on archives (including guidance on duration of copyright) is included in the National Archive's guidelines on copyright and related rights.
Reprographic charges
The following costs apply to all photocopying and scanning orders:
- There is a administration fee of £3.00 for all orders received by email, letter or telephone. Photocopying costs 50p per A4 or A3 sheet (b/w) and £1.00 (colour) plus VAT, postage and packing. Scanning costs £1.50 per image plus VAT. Orders delivered by compact disc cost an extra £1 per disc plus postage and packing. VAT is not payable on orders received from outside the United Kingdom.
- A research fee of £8.00 will be charged for any orders requiring more than 30 minutes to search, check and prepare for copying.
- Commercial fees: Administration fee of £10.00. Photocopies £1.00 for A4 or A3 (b/w); £1.50 for colour. Digital scans £20.00 each (high res). A research fee of £15.00 will be charged for any orders requiring more than 30 minutes to search, check and prepare for copying.
- For copies requested by visitors to the Centre’s searchroom there is no administration or research fee. Visitors are able to use digital cameras to take copies free of charge.
| Type of request | Admin fee | Photocopies A4/A3 b/w | Photocopies A4/A3 col. | Digital scans | Publication quality (400dpi +) | Research fee (30 mins +) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private/non commercial orders by email, post or telephone | £3.00 | 50p | £1.00 | £1.50 per image (private research) | £10.00 (academic/museum/charitable use) | £8.00 |
| Searchroom visitors | -- | 50p | £1.00 | £1.50 | £10.00 | -- |
| Commercial rates/TV | £10.00 | £1.00 | £1.50 | £2.00 | £20.00 | £15.00 |
| Internal /University and Depositors | (Depositors 30p) | £1.00 | £5.00 |
Please note that VAT is added to the prices listed above for all UK customers
Processing of orders and payment
We aim to process orders as soon as we can. They are normally despatched within two working weeks, but the processing of orders depends on staffing and the general level of copying orders.
On completion of the order, we will send you an invoice and a link to our online payment system; scans or copies are despatched once payment has been made. Other payment methods are available on request