Frequently Asked Questions: Rare Books and Special Collections

Permissions

If you already have an image published by the Library, or you can get it elsewhere, you will not need to notify us when using the image.

You do not need permission from the Library of Congress to publish. 

The Library does not give or deny permission to publish or otherwise distribute material in its collections.  You can find more information on the Library's Legal website.

Photographic and Duplication Services

If a satisfactory image is available on our website, please feel free to download this at no cost.

If no usable image is already available online, there are two types of duplication in the Rare Book and Special Collections Division: reproduction through the Duplication Services Division and taking reference photos.

Duplication Services Division

If you would like the library to photograph an image for you, there will be a reproduction fee.  Please know the exact information that you would like reproduced and send your request to Duplication Services. You can also find a summary of their services, procedures, and fees at this site. 

Reference Photographs

In the Rare Book Reading Room, we allow limited patron photography that we call 'reference photographs' only after consulting with a librarian. We allow patrons to take no more than ten reference photographs.  This is meant to be a courtesy to researchers who need to transcribe large swaths of information when no other reprint or reproduction is available. We do not plan or take appointments for photo-shoots. We do not guarantee picture quality (and lighting may be tricky). Flash and tripods are prohibited and a librarian will be present as photos are taken. Because we require a librarian be present, we ask that this be done as expeditiously yet as carefully as possible.

Right of Reproduction Fee

We do not charge for a 'right of reproduction fee' or 'permission fee' as it is sometimes called.  If you would like to reproduce an image that you received from us, there is no charge. 

Credit Line

We ask that if you have not manipulated the image beyond recognition, to please include a credit line.  If the intent is to use the image for reasons beyond personal research and/or school projects, we would request that the Library of Congress be credited as the source.

Here are some sample credit lines:

Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC

If the item is part of a special collection, please name the special collection:

Margaret Armstrong Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC

or 

Lessing J. Rosenwald Collection, Rare Book and Special Collections Division of the Library of Congress, Washington, DC

Copyright

Works first published in the United States before 1923 and foreign works before 1909 are in the public domain and are outside of copyright. You can publish these works without investigating further.  To learn more about copyright or request the copyright status of a piece (fee-based search), please visit the Copyright.gov website.

Library of Congress educational material, guides, and timelines available on our websites are in the public domain.

Related FAQ

• Can the Library grant me permission to publish?