Research & Use
Ask Archives and Special Collections
Visit
Collections in the Documentary Photography Archive are stored off-site at the Hwa-Wei Lee Library Annex (205 Columbus Rd, Athens, OH 45701). Research use of physical material in the Documentary Photography Archive requires scheduling an appointment at least one week in advance with Laura Smith, Photo Archivist. Depending on the extent of materials required, researchers may be asked to visit the Hwa-Wei Lee Library Annex Reading Room instead of the Mahn Center Reading Room in Alden Library.
Unable to visit? Contact us by completing a Mahn Center Research Request. While staff are unable to complete research, general reference information such as inquiries about holdings and use are welcomed. You may also consider arranging for a private researcher.
Scan Requests
Researchers are encouraged to use digital cameras and other mobile devices to make copies of archival material for personal use. Scanners are not permitted.
Requests for high resolution scans are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. The Ohio University Libraries reserves the right to limit or refuse a scanning request for any reason, including but not limited to, size, condition of the original material, or copyright restrictions. Scans are delivered as a 300 DPI high quality jpeg unless requested otherwise for publication.
Requests may take up to 15 business days to be filled and are limited to 25 scans per request. To ensure short wait times for all patrons, the first request made within a 30-day period will made available within the standard 15-day turnaround. The time frame for additional requests will be determined on a first come first serve basis and may be subject to University teaching and learning priorities.
To make a scan request, please contact us.
Rights & Permissions
Individuals wishing to publish, present, or otherwise use material held within the Documentary Photography Archive must receive written permission from the Archive via completion of a use agreement and are subject to use fees. Payment must be received in advance of receiving scans.
All use requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and are contingent on several factors including, but not limited to, copyright, publicity rights, donor agreements, privacy, and preservation concerns. The use agreement does not imply that the Documentary Photography Archive holds all rights or that the agreement clears all rights. It is the individual’s responsibility to obtain all use and copyright permissions, including instances of multiple rights.
Use Fees: Non-profit/Ohio-based business fees are $25/image and $100/minute for film and video. For-profit/non-Ohio business fees are $75/image and $200/minute for film and video.
For more information about access and use, please refer to the following documents or contact us.