Digitization Services
Smith College Special Collections
Digitization
Smith College Special Collections is pleased to provide reproductions of our textual, visual and audio materials, when such reproductions will not damage the original or violate any restrictions on the materials. As it is part of the mission of Special Collections to make its resources available as widely as possible, researcher-driven digitization of collection material made upon request will subsequently be made publicly accessible online at no cost, if legally permissible. In this way, patron requests help increase access among researchers.
- All digitization requests will be reviewed by a staff member to determine if the original materials are in good condition for scanning.
- The time frame for digitization is dependent upon multiple factors, including the size and complexity of the request as well as staff availability, and will take 12 weeks or longer to complete.
- Please see our statement on Permissions & Copyright before submitting your request.
- If you plan to publish or cite material from the Smith College Special Collections, please read the Permissions & Copyright and Attribution & Citation pages.
Fees & Payment
Fees
For Smith Students
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New digital reference scan (color PDF) up to 300 pages | No charge |
For Researchers
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| New digital reference scan, first 50 pages (color PDF) | No charge |
| New digital reference scan, 51 to 300 pages (color PDF) | $.25/page |
| Existing digital file (resolution and format varies) | No charge |
| New high resolution digital scan of text or photograph (TIFF file; front and back of item = 1 scan) | $5/scan |
| New high resolution scan of negatives, slides, and transparencies (TIFF file) outsourced contact specialcollections@smith.edu |
At vendor cost |
| Audiovisual reproduction outsourced contact specialcollections@smith.edu |
At vendor cost |
| Microfilm reproduction outsourced contact specialcollections@smith.edu |
At vendor cost |
Payment
All digitization requests will be reviewed by a staff member to determine if the original materials are in good condition for scanning. Staff will then conduct a page count and get back to you with a cost estimate. Upon your confirmation of the order, staff will begin scanning. Prepayment is required on some orders.
The following forms of payment are accepted:
- Credit cards (Mastercard, Visa, American Express); online payment link will be sent when order is complete
- Checks (made payable to Smith College)
Make a Request
To request reference scans, high resolution images, or digital copies of materials, email specialcollections@smith.edu identifying the materials you wish to have reproduced. Please note that requests for reference scans (PDFs) will be priced by the folder rather than the individual item.
Include the following information with your request:
For materials listed in the Finding Aids
- Collection name
- Box number
- Folder number/title (where applicable)
- Item number/title (where applicable)
- Link to the finding aid
- Delivery format
- Any additional description of the specific materials you are requesting
For materials listed in Discover Advanced
- Title
- Call number
- Page numbers
- Link to the catalog record
- Delivery format
- Any additional description of the specific materials you are requesting
All digitization requests will be reviewed by a staff member to determine if the original materials are in good condition for scanning. Staff will then conduct a page count and get back to you with a cost estimate. Upon your confirmation of the order, staff will begin scanning. Prepayment is required on some orders.
Researchers may receive up to 300 pages of digitized content per calendar year.
If you are unsure of what you may need access to, we would be happy to assist as we are able; write to us at specialcollections@smith.edu
Processing Time
Requests will be managed in the order that they are received. Please note that the time frame for digitization is dependent upon multiple factors, including the size and complexity of the request as well as staff availability, and will take 12 weeks or longer to complete.
Rest assured, your request is in the queue and will be completed in the order it was received. Due to the nature of this labor-intensive work and our current staffing, we likely cannot give you a more specific time frame and we do not offer a rush service.
If you are a Smith faculty member and have a request for classroom or teaching use, please contact us for a consultation.
Camera Use in the Reading Room
If you are able to visit our reading room in person, non-flash photography of materials is highly encouraged. The Special Collections reading room is equipped with three models of document cameras: a Hovercam Solo 8Plus, a Hovercam Ultra8, and a Hovercam Ultra10, two iPads, and specialty lighting available for researchers on a first come basis.
You may use your own personal camera. There are no fees for use of personal or Smith College equipment. See Visit Special Collections for more information on our in-person equipment and photography policy.