FAQ

This is a list of the most common questions patrons ask when requesting images from us. This page will be updated as new questions arise.

What are the current procedures and turnaround times for reproduction requests?

Currently, we are processing most reference requests in-house. If they want better quality images, patrons will still have the option to send their requests to the high volume workflow at Imaging Services for a fee. The limits for in-house work can be found here. The current turnaround time for requests is approximately two-three months.

Requests from members of the Harvard community will be given priority and processed first.

Please note that we are not accepting reference requests from the reading room. Patrons are expected to take their own photos. Exceptions are allowed for patrons who cannot take their own photos due to disability.

Why do patrons need to fill out both the flags and online request form?

It may seem redundant to the patron, but there is a reason! The technicians and photographers do not usually have a copy of the order at the copy stand, so the flags are the only source of instruction for the operators and photographers. It also is important to put enough detail on the flag so that it is easily understood by the person processing the order. The details also help in the event that the flag is misplaced or falls out of the item. As long as there is enough information on the flag, it can be put back in the correct place quickly and easily.

What is the turnaround time for images from Imaging Services?

The photography studio processes all standard orders in fifteen business days. If the patron is having a drive mailed, then add two business days for domestic mail and five business days for international mail. Large volume requests will take longer and will require consultation with the studio manager.

It generally takes fifteen business days to process scans from the high volume workflow. Like the studio, large requests will require more processing time. An estimate of the turnaround time will be provided by the managers at the lab.

Microfilm digitization is processed by an outside vendor and typically takes 8 weeks to process.

Are rushes available?

Rushes are only possible at the studio and are subject to studio availability and approval. The high volume workflow does not have the ability to process rushes.

The studio offers a 5-day rush, a 48-hour rush and a 24-hour rush. The surcharges are listed below:

5-day: $50
48-hour: $100
24-hour: $150

What is the difference between the High Volume Workflow and Studio Digital Photography?

High Volume Workflow

Standard Digital Photography is processed by the lab. They can accommodate the following material:

loose material up to 16.5" x 25.5"
bound material (flat scanner) up to 16.5" x 25.5" and 3" thick.
bound material (v-shaped scanner) up to 17" x 22" and 3" thick.
bound material (v-shaped scanner) must open 110° and have an inner margin on both sides of at least 1/4"

Extremely fragile material, items that cannot go under glass, oversize material, and bound items that do not open at least 110° are not eligible for this service.

Images are scanned at 300 dpi and are minimally processed. This means that color correction, sharpening, and contrasting are not individually applied. Instead every item receives the same treatment whether it is a photograph, a letter or an illustration. Please note that while 300 dpi is considered the industry standard for publishable quality images, images may require higher resolution due to the size of the original and the type of image.

Scans are typically delivered by a link from which a PDF can be downloaded. Please note that this method of delivery compresses the images, which in turn reduces the resolution. Link delivery should only be selected for those patrons who need the images for reference. If a patron plans to publish these images, they should opt for delivery on a flash drive.

This workflow was originally established to digitize complete objects: whole folders, volumes or discrete items within a book or manuscript collection (e.g. a chapter in a book or a specific item number from a manuscript collection). It is not possible to digitize part of an object at the lab.

All orders require a 15-page minimum.

Studio Digital Photography

Studio digital photography is processed at the photography studio. The studio is able to accommodate a wide range of sizes and materials, as well as three dimensional objects. Unlike the lab, the studio can adjust the resolution, tailoring it to size of the material. (For more information please see the default resolution by size on the Imaging Services website.) During the processing phase, the photographer corrects each image individually ensuring fidelity to the original.

The studio will deliver up to 30 images electronically. Orders over 30 images are delivered by flash drive.

There is no minimum amount for the studio.

What formats are used at Imaging Services?

The lab delivers their images as JPEG2000 files and the studio uses TIFF files.

Can images be delivered in ways other than weblink or FTP?

Yes. Imaging Services will also deliver material on flash drive or hard drive.

When delivering files from the high volume workflow on a hard drive/flash drive, patrons should be made aware of two potential issues. The first is that the images are delivered as JPEG2000 files, a lossless file type. Not all patrons have the software needed to view these files and may need to install a new piece of software to facilitate viewing. The other potential issue is that the individual file names do not always correspond to directly to the individual items in the object and this can make finding particular images difficult when there are hundreds of them. For these reasons Imaging Services suggests that patrons receive the images by link, rather than drive. They can always download a PDF of the images to be sent to them via email if they want a copy to store on their computer.

Is it possible to request images be captured at higher resolutions?

Standard resolution sizes may be found here. The studio can accommodate requests for higher resolution for a 50% surcharge. Staff should consult with the studio when the item is large or when an average size image requires an extremely high resolution, as the machines may not have the ability to reach the resolution requested.

Images sent to the high volume workflow are scanned 300 dpi. They cannot accommodate requests for higher resolution.

Are volume discounts available?

The studio does offer volume discounts and examples of discounted pricing can be found on their pricing page. To receive a discount the patron must have a minimum of ten items at the same size. If the material is of varying sizes, it will not receive a discount.

The high volume workflow only offers discounts on bound material that can be scanned on the v-shape scanner. The minimum quantity is 1000 pages and the cost is $.35/page. To be eligible for the v-shaped scanner, material must open 110° and measure less than 17" tall and 22" wide. It must also have an inner margin on both sides of at least a 1/4".

Is it faster to come to the Reading Room and place an order?

We do not prioritize requests from the Reading Room. Once in the queue, the request will be processed in the order in which it was received.

Can a patron pay with a credit card?

Yes, patrons can pay with a credit card through their HOLLIS Special Request account.

How can the patron contact Imaging Services directly?

Imaging Services can be reached at 617.495.3995 or imaging@fas.harvard.edu.