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The Library of Congress > Duplication Services > Copies and Formats Matrix

Copies and Formats Matrix

What Kind of Copy Should You Order?

The many options for copies, combined with some limitations in what we can do, can make it difficult to decide what to order. This page will help you figure out your order based on the original material and your need.

Note: Other options may be available. For example, microfilm is available for nearly all types of original content, but is rarely ordered. If you don’t see an copy type suitable for your need, contact Duplication Services Customer Service.

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Copies and Formats Matrix (PDF, 24 KB)

Photographs

You're looking for photographic negatives, transparencies, and prints.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section)

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

 Order form

You want a high-quality image printed on paper.

You want an image ready to frame.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photographic paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

 Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for a high-quality copy

You want paper copies of contact sheets to identify which images to have duplicated at a high resolution

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17".

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

 Order form

Maps

You're looking for cartographic and geographic images, maps and atlases.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright)

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 600 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high-quality image printed on paper.

Image is ready to hang on a wall.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photo paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Manuscripts

You're looking for original documents ranging from presidential papers to personal papers of individuals and families.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section)

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality image printed on paper. Image is ready to hang on a wall.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photo paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You have the technology & environment to read & store microfilm

A microfilm reel

Duplicate microfilm reel.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Reel to paper photocopy.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Newspapers

You're looking for US and international newspapers, current periodicals, comic books, and government publications.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section)

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 750 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You have the technology & environment to read & store microfilm

A microfilm reel

Duplicate microfilm reel. Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying. Reel to paper photocopy.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Periodical / Journal

You're looking for periodicals and journals of a general or specialized nature, historic or current.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section)

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 750 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You have the technology & environment to read & store microfilm

A microfilm reel

Duplicate microfilm reel. Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying. Reel to paper photocopy.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Sheet Music & Scores

You're looking for musical scores for solos and symphonies, songs with piano accompaniment, and opera scores and libretti.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section).

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 750 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Rare Books

You're looking for early printed material published between 1600 to 1800.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section).

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want a high quality image printed on paper. Image is ready to hang on a wall.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photo paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Posters

You're looking for posters depicting historical political, propaganda, or social issues.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section).

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality image printed on paper. Image is ready to hang on a wall.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photo paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Art Prints & Illustrations

You're looking for illustrations from print makers geographic locations or popular subjects.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section).

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want a high quality image printed on paper. Image is ready to hang on a wall.

An image printed by professional photographers from a digital scan on to resin-coated photo paper.

Most commonly 8"x10".

Also available in sizes 11"x14", 16"x20", and 20"x24", depending on original.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

Architectural Drawings

You're looking for historical and architectural surveys, drawings and photographs.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want a high quality digital image for research, personal use, or publication or other commercial use (see requirements under Copyright section).

A high-resolution digital file (TIFF) that meets federal preservation standards in resolution, depth, and range.

Most commonly 300 dpi.

Also available in 400 to 3,200 dpi, depending on original negative or object size.

Black and white or color depending on the original.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

General / Technical

You're looking for secondary sources in the humanities, sciences, and business.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

Legal Documents

You're looking for ...

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality.

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

Microfilm

You're looking for something that may only be available or accessible on microfilm.

Your Needs Your Format Options Your Copy Options Your Delivery Options Order Form

You want digital copies for reference or research.

You are storing and using your material on a computer and have no need for high quality

A digital photocopy saved as a PDF.

Black and white PDF file(s) containing the scanned materials. Quality is similar to that of photocopying.

Email or CD, depending on size of file and/or customer preference.

Order form

You want paper copies for reference or research, and have no need for high quality

A standard paper photocopy

8"x10" and 11"x17". Black and white or color depending on the original.

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

Order form

You have the technology & environment to read & store microfilm

A microfilm reel

A duplicate microfilm reel(s).

Tracked shipping via Fed Ex or USPS. Shipments are appropriately packed to help avoid damage during shipping.

 Order form