Digitization Services
The Preservation Reformatting Department (PRD) produces publication quality reproductions of items owned by the Columbia University Libraries. We comply with current national and international standards and practices for digitization and preservation. Reproductions are intended for personal or scholarly use, and library users are responsible for all copyright and permissions matters. All materials reproduced will be fully preserved for future scholarly research and teaching.
Digitization and copying services include:
- Audio/Video Reformatting
- Digitization/Photography
- Electronic Books
- Microfilm Duplication and Scanning
Or find out about self-service / low-res printing and scanning
To place a digitization/copying order, begin by contacting the owning library. They will guide you through the order process.
- Avery Architectural & Fine Arts Library
- avery@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 854-6199
- The Burke Library
- burke@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 851-5606
- C.V. Starr East Asian Library
- starr@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 854-4318
- Oral History Archives
- oralhist@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 854-5590
- Rare Book & Manuscript Library
- rbml@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 854-5590
- All other Columbia University Libraries & orders for existing images
- prd-orders@library.columbia.edu
- (212) 854-1332
When you contact the owning library, they will guide you through this order process. Please read through all instructions before placing your order.
- For each order, read and sign the Conditions of Service & Copyright Agreement.
- Fill out the appropriate order form:
- When filling out the form, fill out all Item Details fields. Library staff can assist you.
- When ordering multiple items, use the Order Metadata Spreadsheet to document the necessary item details more easily.
- Guide to Metadata Elements
- Include the Columbia University Libraries call number and/or CLIO number, if known.
- Send order to: prd-orders@library.columbia.edu
- Submit payment.
- See your order form for pricing details.
- When your order is ready, our Financial Services office will email a link for online credit card payment. Payment is required before order delivery.
- The credit card payment system will send you an automatic receipt. If you need a formal invoice, we can request one from our Financial Services office.
All reproductions are prepared upon order and cannot be returned for credit.
Questions about your order? Contact the Preservation Reformatting Department
Delivery time is usually 4 to 6 weeks for standard imaging orders, 2 to 3 months for AV and microfilm.
Order size, complexity, condition issues with the material, etc. might cause orders to take longer. We will let you know at the beginning of the order process if we expect the order to take longer than the stated turnaround time.
Rush orders are not available.
Completed orders will be delivered via Google Drive.
When citing collection materials, contact the relevant repository about the proper citation format.
Digitization services are only available for Columbia Libraries collections material, but self-service scanners and printers are available.
Find a self-service scanner or printer in the Libraries
Looking for low-resolution image options?
RBML offers low-resolution reference scanning services
For other repositories, you might hire a student researcher to review the material.