Research and Duplication Services for Special Collections

The Ruth Lilly Special Collections and Archives offers one free hour of research and reference services to distant patrons, not including scanning time. If you cannot visit us in person, the Archives may be able to scan materials, depending on the amount and staffing levels. Please see the fee schedule below. 

If you require in-depth research, the Indiana Historical Society maintains a list of professional researchers who may be able to assist you. 

Materials housed in the Special Collections and Archives generally can be duplicated. 

Exceptions to this include: 

  1. Materials that could be damaged by exposure in the duplication process 
  2. Materials restricted by agreement with the donor 
  3. Materials restricted due to copyright or other legal considerations 

Special Collections staff will determine if archival items may be duplicated and will scan requested material. 

Print Material Scanning Services

Scanning is available at $0.50 per page for the following sizes: 8 ½" x 11", 8 ½" x 14", 11" x 17". We deliver all scans digitally via cloud storage. Delivery date will be dependent on staffing and size of the request. Contact Special Collections for details. 

Photograph Scanning Services

We provide scans in Tiff format at a minimum 600 dpi.  Please notify staff at the time of order if you have specific resolution requirements. 

To place an order for image scanning, please complete and return the Image Publishing Agreement , by email or in person. Cost to scan images is $5 up to approximately 11" x 17".  Duplication of oversized images may not be available or may be subject to additional fees. Images will be delivered for download via cloud storage. 

Media Digitization Services

Most of our media has been digitized by the multi-campus Media Digitization & Preservation Initiative. Digital access is available at no charge.  Permission to view depends on the copyright status of individual items and may require viewing in the reading room. Please contact the archives for more information.  

Undigitized materials may not be available, depending on format.  We currently have equipment for audio cassettes and VHS tapes available for use in the reading room. 

Microform Services

Onsite Services

Free self-service scans of microfilm and microfiche can be made using the microfilm scanner in the reading room. Standard library rates apply for printing these scans. There is no self-service access to Forms 990-PF.   

Offsite Services 

Microforms Scanning is available at $0.50 per page. We deliver all scans digitally via cloud storage. Delivery date will be dependent on staffing and size of the request. 

990s Digitization 

Special fees apply to Forms 990-PF due to the need for redaction of social security numbers.  Each foundation requested is subject to a $30 filing fee, in addition to a $.50 per page scanning fee. We scan complete forms only; patrons may not request partial forms. Copies of previously digitized 990s are available at no charge.  Please complete the 990s request form. 

Payment Methods 

Invoices will be sent from the Business Office. You may pay by check or credit card. For university-related work, please provide an account number.  If you are paying on site, we can only accept cash or check.