About CPL
Photographic Reproduction Services
The Chicago Public Library is pleased to offer reproductions from our collections.
While we attempt to accommodate the research and publication needs of our patrons, limitations may apply. Some items may be too damaged or too fragile to be copied. The reproduction service operates in strict compliance with U.S. Copyright Law. Many items in the Library’s collections are in the public domain. In other cases, determining the copyright holder can be difficult. To assist patrons, the Library makes information about copyright holders available in archival finding aids and other sources. DETERMINING THE EXISTENCE OF COPYRIGHT OR ANY OTHER LEGAL RESTRICTIONS, AS WELL AS OBTAINING PERMISSION FROM THE COPYRIGHT HOLDER, IS SOLELY THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE REQUESTER.
The Chicago Public Library encourages copyright holders who are not appropriately identified to contact the Library so that we may provide more complete information.
Ordering Procedures
- Please complete the attached Order Form and sign the Conditions Governing Use. Then, scan and email the form (or send it through the postal service) to the Chicago Public Library location* that houses the item you would like copied.
- Please be as specific as possible when ordering and use an accession number or call number.
- Please do not send payment with your order. The photographs or other original materials have to be checked for condition and copyright compliance before we can proceed. Once that is done, payment can be by cash or check, payable to the Chicago Public Library.
Orders take from 10 to 20 working days. If you need the image sooner, please ask about a RUSH service.
*For more information about items in:
Special Collections and Preservation Division at Harold Washington Library Center, please contact: (312) 747-4875 or specoll@chipublib.org.
Vivian G. Harsh Research Collection of Afro-American History and Literature at Woodson Regional Library, please contact: (312) 745-2080 or harshcollection@chipublib.org.
Northside Neighborhood History Collections at Sulzer Regional Library, please contact: (312) 742-4455 or northsidehistory@chipublib.org.