My Account Faqs

You are searching the:

Like a traditional library catalog, this will help you find published materials such as books or maps. Learn More.

Go to Catalog

Finding Aids are like a table of contents for collections to help you find specific boxes and folders. Learn More

Go to Finding Aids

The website search allows you to search and find content on the website.

Ask an Archivist
Ask an Archivist

How to Order Digital Copies

In order to help as many researchers as possible, we offer duplication free of charge within certain limits each year. This page walks you through the process and parameters for ordering digital copies. 

Step 1: Find the material you would like us to copy

Click the “request” box at the top of the page and hit submit. If you are not already logged into your research account, you will be asked to do so.

Step 2: Request duplication

  • Scroll down to “request type” on the submission page.
  • Select “request duplication” and, in the Items to Duplicate box, type in any additional information or notes about your desired material (ex. “all contents,” “first 10 pages only,” etc.).
  • Don’t forget to hit “submit request” at the bottom of the page!

You can check on the status of your order any time by logging into your research account.

If you have any questions about duplicating materials, contact us.

Ask an Archivist

Options

In order to help as many researchers as possible, we offer duplication free of charge with the following limits each fiscal year (July-June):

Touch and drag to navigate
Standard archival material (paper documents, etc.)
Item SizeFormatScan ResolutionQuantity
StandardPDF, JPEG, or TIFF400 PPI color for most items250 pages
OversizePDF, JPEG, or TIFF400 PPI color10 sheets
AV material (moving image and audio recordings)
Item TypeFormatQuantity
Standard / ProductionMP3, MP4 / WAV, MOV8 recordings

Note: all AV material must be digitized for research access. Download availability is subject to copyright consideration.

Delivery

Most files will be sent electronically through a link to Dropbox. Some AV files will accessible on Reading Room computer workstations, the Bentley Digital Media Library (BDML), or, when possible, our file delivery platform.

We cannot guarantee specific delivery dates, and some material may not be available for digitization. Normal processing time for digital imaging is 8-12 weeks depending on format and order volume. AV digitization usually takes about 16 weeks.

Images in the Bentley Image Bank

Download JPEG files for free by using the “Download Image” option below the photo. Click “Order This” if you need TIFF format.

Albert Kahn Architectural Drawings

Reproductions of Albert Kahn architectural drawings require permission from Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. Please contact Reference staff at [email protected] for more information.

Help Finding Images

Reference staff can help you locate specific images, up to a maximum time allotment of 30 minutes. Please fill out the “Ask an Archivist” online reference request form for help. More complex research requests may require a visit to the library or working with a proxy researcher.

Ask an Archivist

Other Considerations

The library is able to assist patrons with the digitization of materials as permitted by copyright law and donor agreements. To ensure the security of our collections and provide consistent service to all researchers, the digitization or scanning of archival materials in any format will be undertaken and managed by the Bentley Historical Library in accordance with recognized best practices and professional standards.

Please visit our How to Obtain Permissions page for further information on copyright.

How to Obtain Permissions

Accessibility

If you are unable to use delivered material in its current form for personal research, you can request accessibility remediation through [email protected].

Please note that Bentley content used on university unit websites must be accessible per ADA regulations.

See ADA Regulations

What if I need more help?

You can always reach out to the Bentley and ask an archivist! We are here to assist.

Ask an Archivist