Special Collection Materials

We provide free duplication of up to 75 pages per 4-month period (January–April, May–August, and September–December).

Requests are evaluated and fulfilled based on material format, physical condition, and any applicable restrictions. We may impose limits on duplication requests if fulfillment impacts our ability to provide effective and equitable service.

What to expect

Straightforward requests for basic-quality images (400 dpi) typically take 4-6 weeks to process. Complicated requests and those for higher-quality images may take longer. We’ll update you on the status of such a request once we begin to process it.

We will send you an email when your request is complete. The message will include one or more links depending on how many files we created. Files are stored in Dropbox and must be downloaded within 30 days.

How to place a request

To get started, make sure you’re registered as a researcher to access our materials.

We use a few different tools to describe our varied collections. How you place a request depends on where you found the item. See our introduction to finding special collections and archival materials if it’s new to you.

Library Search or Subject Vertical File

From U-M Library Catalog Search or the Labadie Collection Subject Vertical File listing:

1. Select Request this and log in if needed.
2. Select the Switch to Duplication Request button.  
3. Complete the rest of the form and select Submit request.

Online finding aid

For materials described by an online finding aid:

1. Select the Request button at the top of the finding aid and log in if needed.
2. The finding aid content list will re-display in the form. Use Expand All to view the contents of each box and select its checkbox to request it. If a box number is repeated in the contents list, you only need to select it once.
3. Select the radio button for Duplication below the contents list.
4. Complete the rest of the form and select Submit request.