Self-Serve Digital Copying Service

The Self-Serve Digital Copying Service that allows the clients of Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to use their own photographic equipment (digital and non-digital cameras) and LAC microform printers/scanners to copy certain documents from the holdings of LAC for the purposes of research or private study.

When is the Self-Serve Digital Copying Service available?

The service is available from Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m
It will not be available on statutory holidays.
After 4:30 p.m., clients are asked to bring their photographic equipment to their personal locker on the ground floor.

Do I have to pay a fee to use this service?

According to our photocopy price list, a fee of $0.20 per page will apply when you use the microform printers/scanners. There is no fee for the use of your own photographic equipment.

What material can I reproduce using the Self-Serve Digital Copying Services?

The Self-Serve Digital Copying Services allows the reproduction of documents from LAC holdings for research or private study purposes.

What restrictions are imposed with this service?

There are four types of copying restrictions that can apply to documents from the holdings of LAC: copyright; preservation; donor and publisher agreements and Access to Information and Privacy (ATIP). Responsibility regarding questions of copyright that may arise in the use of the copy is assumed by the person making the copy.

Only a single copy of each document can be made.

How can I have access to this service?

• Depending on the material you wish to reproduce, you will have to register either at the Reference, Consultation or Microfilm desk.
• Staff will inspect your photographic equipment for suitability.
• You will have to complete and sign the Self-Serve Digital Copying Services Application/Agreement.
• You will be given a sign that you must place in front of you on the reserved table where the copying will take place and a label will be affixed to your researcher pass. This will allow staff to identify the clients that have been given permission to use their photographic equipment or our microform printers/scanners.
• To avoid damaging the documents, you must take special care when positioning the documents for copying. Clients wishing to make copies must read and follow the directions provided in the document entitled "Guidelines on how to handle documents". This document will be given to you by a staff member.
• To ensure proper citation and facilitate relocation of item, the source of the material and its reference number should always accompany the copies and be indicated as follows: Source: Library and Archives Canada, [Reference number]. A template will be given to you so that the source of the material, its reference number and the use allowed (research or private study purpose) can be captured by the reproduction.

The following terms and conditions also apply to the Self-Serve Digital Copying Services:

• Self-serve copies may only be used for research or private study purposes. Any use of the copy for a purpose other than research or private study may require the authorization of the copyright owner and/or LAC.
• For security and privacy reasons and for the preservation of the documents, the following types of equipment are NOT permitted: flash units; tripods, video recording devices on camera or camcorders; cellular phone or watch camera (camera housed in mobile telephones or in watches); Pen Cam Digital (camera housed in a pen), scanners and any other future similar digital devices. LAC reserves the right to refuse the use of any device. Cameras must have a neck or wrist strap, which must be worn while copying.
• The user is not permitted to take photographs of anyone or anything on LAC premises, except the documents allowed under the Self-Serve Digital Copying Services.
• All copying must take place at reserved tables in the designated areas.
• You assume the accuracy of the documents reproduced. You are not permitted to manipulate and/or modify the images of the documents being reproduced.
• The reproduction will not be represented as an official version of the documents reproduced or as having been made in affiliation with, or with the endorsement of, LAC.
• LAC will not be held responsible for the loss, damage or theft of any photographic equipment nor for the quality of the copies made by Self-Serve Digital Copying Services. Copies are made at clients' own risk.