FAQ -- Rights & Reproductions

Researchers who are unable to visit the library in person may still access materials by submitting requests for reproductions. Researchers may request low-resolution reproductions suitable for reference purposes, which will be sent as PDF or JPEG files, or high-resolution images suitable for publication or display, available as TIFF files or photo prints.

How do I place a reproduction request?

You can order reproductions through our request platform, Portal1791. If you do not have a Portal1791 account, follow the instructions on the Portal1791 homepage to create an account.

Once you have created and logged into Portal1791, locate the panel on the left-hand side of the page. You can search for materials via our online catalog, ABIGAIL, or via the Collection Guides.

Requesting reproductions via ABIGAIL:

1. Navigate to the catalog record of the item you wish to access and click the button that says "Place Request." 
2. From this page, click the button in the top right corner of the page that says "Switch to Reproduction / Use Permission Request."
3. Fill out the form, being as detailed as possible. Please specify dates, pages, authors, and other relevant information as necessary. If you would like to request an entire box or collection, simply write "entire box" or "entire collection" in the request field.
4. In the "Format" field, select "PDF" for reference images; select "TIFF" or the desired size photo print for high-resolution images.
5. Under "Permissions and Licensing," select the purpose of your request. Personal/research use, classroom use, and presentation use are exempt from permissions and licensing fees. For all non-exempt categories, please provide a brief description of the project.
6. Click "Submit Request."

Requesting reproductions via Collection Guides: 

1. Navigate to the guide for the collection from which you would like to request item(s). 
2. Click the red button at the top of the page that says "Request Items."
3. Click the "Request" button next to the desired item(s).
4. When you have selected all the items you need, click the "Continue" button at the bottom of the page.
5. In the next window, select "Request Reproductions" and follow steps 3-6 above.

When will I receive my reproduction order?

Reproduction orders take up to 6-8 weeks to be completed. Orders for a large quantity of material may take longer and may be delivered in multiple batches. Rush services are not being offered at this time.

How much do reproduction orders cost?

At this time, the MHS offers up to 25 reference reproduction images free of charge. Requests of more than 25 pages are subject to fees as outlined on the Reference Reproductions page of our website.

How do I pay for reproductions?

Reproduction requests are processed manually by the Reproductions Coordinator. Upon receiving your request, the Reproductions Coordinator will prepare an invoice for orders of more than 25 images. Once you receive the invoice, you may pay it via credit/debit card, PayPal, or check or money order.

Prepayment is required for any reproduction request of up to $50.00 before work on the order will begin. Prepayment of at least 50% of the invoice is required for any reproduction request over $50.00 with the balance due before the reproductions are delivered.

I am not sure exactly what I am looking for/whether the information I am looking for is available/the extent of the materials I want to request.

Please reach out to us. A member of the library staff will be happy to assist you in determining what will best meet your needs.

I have a specific question about my order.

Please reach out to the Reproductions Coordinator via email at reproductions@masshist.org.