LibGuides: Photographs: Research & Ordering: Ordering Copies

How to Order (as of February 2024)

Our current goal is to fulfill all image duplication requests within 3 to 6 weeks.

Collections Online and online ordering are now available.

Please Note:

Due to the volume of digitization and duplication requests we receive, turnaround time on image orders will likely be 3 to 6 weeks after the order is processed.
Rush Service is currently unavailable.
Only digital images are available, no photographic prints can be processed.

If you would like to submit an order for an image from the MNHS Collections please follow these steps:

If an image is in Collections Online, click the "Add to Order" button. The online shop will walk through the ordering process.
If an image is not in Collections Online, please fill out the Digital Image Reproduction Request form. Be sure to complete the form completely including Collection/Record Title/Identifier and Document Title. Requests without full image identification will not be processed.
If the image is for any type of Public Use, you must also fully detail the project including title, author, publisher/producer, date of publication/broadcast, and website/URL.
Once the forms are completed the Library Permissions Team will review your order and process it.

See our Photographs: Use Permissions and Licensing guide for more information about using photographs publicly, and please contact us at library.permissions@mnhs.org for more information on completing any of the ordering forms.

Prices for Digital Scans and Prints

Digital Scans:

The price of a digital scan of regular-sized materials* is determined by the resolution of the image/size of the file. See "Selecting a File Type" below for more information.

Small	$7
Large	$25
Extra-Large	$60

*Digital copies of original materials that are larger than 16 x 20 inches cost $25. This oversized category includes things like maps and architectural drawings.

Prints:

Physical prints are not currently available.

Minnesota Historical Society Members receive a 10% discount on image duplications.

Selecting a File Type for Digital Scans

File Type	Best For	Technical Info
Small	Internet publishing, reports, emails, student work, presentations, some printing (at original size or smaller only).	JPEG only 1500 pixels, ~300 dpi 2 to 15 MB file size
Large	Most uses, including publishing, documentary filmmaking, and printing up to 16x20 inches (unless original is very small),	TIFF or JPEG 3000-6000 pixel, ~300-600 dpi 20 to 60 MB file size
Extra-Large	Recommended for very large printing (like murals) and fine publishing only Not every item can be ordered at this size (none of the 3-D collections, for example).	TIFF only 6000+ pixels, 300-600+ dpi 20 to 100+ MB file size

Payment

Pay by Credit Card

Pay through the online system OR
On the paper form put your credit card info or mark "Invoice Me" and MNHS can invoice and you can pay securely online

Pay by Check

Place your order in the online system. During the checkout process, select "offline payment" and then send your check in the mail.
If ordering via paper form, mail the check and the form together to the address on the form.

Note: We cannot process any Image Orders until payment is received.

Delivery (As of February 2024)

Timeline for Delivery

When your order is received, we will first check to be sure that the image can be copied, according to our guidelines, copyright restrictions, etc.
Orders will be completed within 3 to 6 weeks of permission being granted for copying.
Please contact us for a completion date for orders with 20+ images.
Rush service is not currently available

Methods of Delivery

All files are sent via Hightail, a secure file sharing system.
You will receive an email with links to download files for any images ordered, as well as PDF copies of your order and use/permissions paperwork.
For security reasons we cannot copy files onto disks or flash drives provided by customers.