Why do digital reproductions cost so much?
Researchers often ask why it costs so much to obtain digital images (see duplication fees). It takes a lot of money and special handling to care for archival materials over time. Creating, cataloging and caring for digital images also requires significant staff time and resources. Reproduction fees help us to ensure that the materials are preserved and accessible into the future, both in their original and digital formats. There is a reduced cost for images that have already been scanned and cataloged in our image database. Researchers are permitted to use their own digitals cameras in the Reading Room, free of charge.
