DePaul University Libraries
Using the Special Collections
Contact Special Collections

All collections in DePaul University’s Archives & Special Collections are available for public use. We ask our patrons to observe the following guidelines.

Reading Room Policies
  • Materials may be used only in this department. They do not circulate.
  • Eating and drinking are not permitted.
  • Pencils only may be used in the reading room. Pens and correction fluid are prohibited to prevent damage to the materials.
  • Please exercise all possible care to avoid damage to the materials. Materials should not be written on, erased on, leaned on, folded anew, traced or handled in any way likely to inflict damage.
  • Library staff reserve the right to request that coats, umbrellas, book bags, briefcases and portfolios be kept in the coat closet.
  • Please consult with library staff if photocopies are required.
Photocopying, Scanning, and Photographic Copies

The collections do not circulate because of the unique nature of the materials, but reproduction services are available. Some items held in this department are extremely fragile. Therefore, certain items -- scrapbooks, early bulletins, books with embrittled paper or deteriorated bindings -- will not be photocopied if the procedure may injure the materials.

  • The Department of Special Collections and Archives reserves the right to limit the reproduction of any material based on condition of original.
  • Providing reproductions does not constitute permission to publish or reproduce images in print or electronic form.
  • No archival collection will be reproduced in its entirety.
  • No more than 100 photocopies, or 10% (whichever is the smaller amount) will be made from any archives collection.
  • Entire published works cannot be copied due to copyright restrictions (see below).
  • Researchers assume all responsibilities for adhering to copyright law and Fair Use Guidelines, including seeking use permissions from the copyright holder and payment of any royalty fees, in the reproduction and use of archival materials.
  • No photocopies are made of faculty publications (ArDFAC collection).
  • Text reproductions are made by photocopying only.
  • Image reproductions are scanned. Digital images will be provided in JPEG format, scanned at 300 dpi.
  • On consultation with departmental staff, researchers may be permitted to use a personal digital camera, following the same policies above.
Payments
  • Payment can only be accepted when made by check or money order made out to DePaul University Libraries.
  • The charge for photocopying is $0.20 per page.
  • Digital images up to 5 may be delivered by email for no charge. Over 5 images will be put on CD for a $10.00 fee.
  • Video reproductions of Theatre School videos are provided to DePaul Theatre students and faculty upon receipt of a blank tape or DVD.
  • All requests originating off site are charged a $5.00 handling fee.

    In all cases, a signed and dated Copyright Waiver Form must be completed before copies will be made or sent. Contact Special Collections for the Copyright Waiver Form or if you would like to request permission to publish scanned images and photocopied text

    Reproductions are paid for with a check or money order, in U.S. currency, made out to DePaul University.

    Payment should be sent to:
    DePaul University Archives
    2350 N. Kenmore Ave.
    Chicago, IL 60614
    U.S.A.

    DePaul University Archives will attempt to process copy requests as quickly as possible; however, requests may be delayed due to unusual increases in on-site patron use or because of shortage of available staff. The patron will be contacted in case of delay.
    Completed requests are generally sent to the requestor via U.S. Mail, First Class.

    Yearbooks
    We are willing to provide extra copies of yearbooks, if we have the year requested in the surplus section. The charge for a yearbook supplied is $20.00.

    DePaul published no yearbooks after 1997.

    Copyright statement
    Warning Concerning Copyright Restrictions: The copyright law of the United States (Title 17, United States Code) governs the making of photocopies or other reproductions of copyrighted material. Under certain conditions specified in the law, libraries and archives are authorized to furnish a photocopy or other reproduction. One of these specified conditions is that the photocopy or reproduction is not to be "used for any purpose other than private study, scholarship, or research." If a user makes a request for, or later uses, a photocopy or reproduction for purposes in excess of "fair use," that user may be liable for copyright infringement. This institution reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.    

    Forms
    Patron Registration Form

    Reproduction Request Form

    Permission To Publish Form