- The copy services window is located in the Gale Family Library’s Weyerhaeuser Reference Room
- The deadline for placing same-day photocopy orders is 30 minutes before the library closes
- Most items in the collections may be copied by our staff, unless they are too fragile or are subject to legal, contractual, or copyright restrictions
- Because of the historical, unique, and sometimes fragile nature of our materials, there are no self-service copy machines at the Gale Family Library
- Permission must be obtained from the Minnesota Historical Society to publish or display any items copied from the MNHS collections. For questions about permissions, please see use permissions and licensing or contact our permissions team.
Copy services
On-site researchers
- Black-and-white photocopies
- Color photocopies
- E-copies
- Copy stand rental
A copy stand is available in the Weyerhaeuser Reading Room for researchers who wish to photograph items from MNHS’s collections themselves. There is a use fee of $2 per hour. Call 651-259-3301 or ask at the copy services window to reserve the stand. Note: on-site library patrons can often take digital photographs of materials, but some materials cannot be photographed. Please see the camera use policy and ask at the reference desk before taking any photographs.
For current on-site rates and costs, view the copy services price list.
Off-site researchers
- Distance copy request
Staff can make photocopies or PDF scans of specific materials. Payment is required in advance. - Research services
Browse a variety of basic research services that can be ordered through our online store system.
Other reproduction services
- Photos and images
- Media duplication services (audio, video, film)
- Microfilm
Copy services price list
Photocopies
| Size | Same-day* | Mail or pick-up | Color |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8½" x 11" or 8½" x 14" | 25¢ per page | 20¢ per page | $1 per page |
| 11" x 17" | 30¢ per page | 25¢ per page | $2 per page |
| Duplex copies | 35¢ per page | 30¢ per page | N/A |
Oversized materials
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Oversized bound materials | $1 per page, no same-day service |
| Oversized flat materials (up to 36" wide) | $5 per linear foot, no same-day service |
*Same day photocopying maximum: 50 pages per person per day
The Minnesota Historical Society reserves the right to decline reproduction of fragile items.
E-copies
- Low-resolution, photocopy-quality PDF scans
- Delivered via email
- Cost: 20¢ per page (11" x 17" or smaller)
- Items larger than 11"x 17" may be subject to oversize fees. Please see copy services staff for details.
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| 8½" x 11" | 20¢ per page |
| 11" x 17" | 25¢ per page |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| 8½" x 11" | 35¢ per page |
| 11" x 17" | 35¢ per page |
| Digital scans | 35¢ per page |
| Cost | |
|---|---|
| Birth certificates | $9 per page |
| All other pages | 20¢ per page |
The Minnesota Historical Society reserves the right to determine whether items are suitable for copying or digitizing.
Payment
Sales tax
Photocopy prices include sales tax. All other duplication orders placed by Minnesota residents or at copy services in the library are subject to sales tax.
Member discount
MNHS members receive a 10% discount on all orders. Not a member? Visit our membership page to find out how to join.
Credit cards
Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover are all accepted.
Shipping & handling
| Total cost of order | Postage and handling |
|---|---|
| Under $1 | No charge |
| $1 - $5.99 | $1.75 |
| $6 - $99.99 | $3.50 |
| $100 to $199.99 | $5 |
| $200 - $400 | $10 |
| Over $400 | Price will be quoted |
All prices are for first-class mail. Quotes for UPS rates are available upon request.
Notice 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.
MNHS reserves the right to refuse to accept a copying order if, in its judgment, fulfillment of the order would involve violation of copyright law.