On-Demand Digitization

Special Collections provides high-resolution scans and photocopies of collection materials.

High-resolution scans

High-resolution scanning creates images suitable for publication in print or online.

We deliver digital images for up to 30 items at no charge, as long as the physical condition of the items and our agreements with donors allow for digitization of the materials.

  • Once you have identified the materials you would like digitized, please fill out our digitization request form
  • Special Collections staff may contact you for additional information to assist in completing your digitization request
  • You will receive an email with a link to download your high-resolution digital images in 2-3 weeks

Photocopies and PDFs

Photocopies and PDFs are available if you need many pages from a book or archival collection for your research.

We deliver up to 250 photocopies or PDF pages at no charge. Requests in excess of 250 copies will be charged $50 for the first 250 pages and 10 cents for each additional page.

  • Once you have identified the materials you would like copied, please fill out our digitization request form or contact:

    Bethany Scott
    Head of Preservation and Reformatting
    bscott3@uh.edu

  • PDF is the preferred method of delivery. PDFs will be sent via an automated download service. If necessary, photocopies can be sent via the U.S. Postal Service.

Please note: We reserve the right to limit the number of photocopies or PDFs requested. We will copy no more than 15% of the materials from a single archival collection or book, and we will complete copy requests in the order received, based on staff availability.

Audio/video files

We digitize several audiovisual formats at no charge, as long as the item’s physical condition and our donor agreements allow for it.

A/V formats that we can digitize in-house for free are:

  • Audio cassettes
  • Vinyl records
  • VHS
  • Betacam/Betacam SP
  • Digital Betacam

For all other A/V formats, we work with a specialized vendor for digitization. You will be responsible for paying the vendor directly for digitization requests of these formats.

Once you have identified the materials you would like digitized, please contact:

Emily Vinson
Audiovisual Archivist
evinson@uh.edu

A/V files are typically delivered through an email with a download link. If you require a DVD or other delivery method, please include that information with your request.

Invoices for vendor digitization will be provided by the vendor via email.

Additional information

  • High-resolution versions of images in our Digital Collections may be requested through the “Request High-Resolution Images” form on that site
  • If you intend to publish or display copies of materials, either in print or electronically, please also submit an Intent to Publish form

Need help with your research?

For help identifying the materials that you would like, or questions on the copyright status of any materials, please contact the appropriate librarian.