Research Assistance
For those who are unable to visit Special Collections in person, we will provide a half hour of research free of charge, provided we have detailed information about your request. Please describe the specific information desired, and include as much information about your request as possible. Please also tell us what sources you have already consulted or where you learned of the information you already know. We accept requests via e-mail and by post.
Copying, Scanning, Photographing
Due to the nature and condition of many of the materials in Special Collections, items may be copied, scanned or photographed by permission only. Many items may be copied only by staff and some materials are too fragile to be photocopied at all. Since it is not always possible to do an accurate page count from the finding aids please contact us to request a quote. Payment must be received prior to filling the request. Our fee schedule is as follows:
Photocopying: In Person Self Service
(open-stacks materials approved by staff)
Tri-College members .08 each, cash or check Visitors .15 each, cash or check
Photocopying: In Person by Staff
Limit: 100 copies (open-stacks materials needing special care and all closed-stacks materials)
All Users .25 each, cash or check
Photocopying: Orders To Be Mailed
Limit: 100 copies
All Users $10.00 + .25 each beyond first 10 (check only)
Scanning: By Staff
All Users $10.00 per image, cash or check
Photographing: Personal Equipment
(we have a small camera stand for use with personal digital cameras; flash is not allowed)
All Users No Charge, must be approved in advance Microfilm Printing: In Person Self Service
Tri-College members No Charge Visitors .10 each, cash or check
Permission to Publish
Materials in our collection are governed by U.S. copyright law. Please contact us for permission to publish.
Gifts and Bequests
Special Collections actively seeks donations of materials that enhance our current holdings and monetary contributions to support the processing and preservation of our collections. We cannot purchase or appraise collections. We welcome gifts of Quaker family papers and the archival records of Friends organizations. We are also glad to receive books, pamphlets and other printed material related to Quaker concerns. When gifts duplicate what is already in the collection, such material may be made available to other Friends institutions or scholars. Gifts from alumni and friends of the College which augment existing collections or create new research resources and which would be useful in enhancing the liberal arts curriculum of the College are also welcome. Please contact us to discuss the disposition of your materials.
Depositing Meeting Records
Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Record Services Group has developed recommendations for Clerks and Recorders.