Request Digitization or Duplication
If you need online access to materials that are not yet digitized, work with a Church history consultant via the “Ask Us” service to place digitization requests.
The library receives hundreds of unique digitization requests per month. Requests are typically completed within 25 days, but timing can vary. Many factors influence the amount of time a digitization request can take, including:
The library receives hundreds of unique digitization requests per month. Requests are typically completed within 25 days, but timing can vary. Many factors influence the amount of time a digitization request can take, including:
- Size of the collection: Collections range from one folder to hundreds of boxes. Smaller collections can be prepared, digitized, and delivered to patrons much more quickly.
- Material type requested: Certain audiovisual materials or file storage formats take longer to process. Scrapbooks with small pieces, photographic materials that require higher resolution capture, or letter books with fine paper also require more time to digitize.
- Condition of materials: Some collections require conservation care before they can be digitized.
- Content of collection: We closely review material before it is posted online to ensure private and/or confidential information is not released online irresponsibly. For more information about what we might not post online, see our
access policy . - Location of Materials: Not all collections are stored at the Church History Library. Items located at off-site repositories will take longer to digitize.
Common Questions
What can I expect after submitting a request?
What can I expect after submitting a request?
Requests are submitted by a Church History consultant, but you will receive a confirmation email with information about your request and a link to track its progress.
Every request is received by a digitization coordinator. He or she will evaluate your request and determine what needs to be done before the collection can be digitized. Sometimes a collection requires more descriptive information so that each folder of material can relate to information about what is found inside. This helps with the findability of the digital materials. Once a request is ready, it will be scheduled for digitization with our Digital Capture staff, and then the images will be ingested into the online catalog. When everything is complete, a digitization coordinator will send you an email with instructions to access the material and a link to the images.
Every request is received by a digitization coordinator. He or she will evaluate your request and determine what needs to be done before the collection can be digitized. Sometimes a collection requires more descriptive information so that each folder of material can relate to information about what is found inside. This helps with the findability of the digital materials. Once a request is ready, it will be scheduled for digitization with our Digital Capture staff, and then the images will be ingested into the online catalog. When everything is complete, a digitization coordinator will send you an email with instructions to access the material and a link to the images.
How early should I request digitization for a project I am working on?
How early should I request digitization for a project I am working on?
As soon as you know you will need something, work with your consultant to request it. We acknowledge patron deadlines and are happy to meet them when possible, but we cannot move your request ahead of others who have already been waiting, and we cannot guarantee a delivery timeline.
How will I access the material once it is digitized?
How will I access the material once it is digitized?
Digital access is through the Church History Catalog. You will receive an email with instructions and a link to our Catalog to access your images.
I got an email saying my request was completed, but I am unable to see the digital files. What do I do?
I got an email saying my request was completed, but I am unable to see the digital files. What do I do?
- If it is an audio or video file, refresh the page until the content loads.
- Clear your browser cache. Click [here] for instructions for various web browsers.
- Reply to your request email and let us know you are having a problem. Some helpful information for us includes: your Church account username, screenshots of what you are seeing, what browser you are using, and if you have already tried clearing your cache.
Why can’t I download?
Why can’t I download?
Each collection is placed in an access classification when it is digitized and made available to you. There are many factors that we consider when evaluating the collection that will determine your ability to download freely, including copyright, content of the collection, and collection dates. If a collection is in copyright by an entity other than the Church, or if the rights and content have not been fully evaluated, we cannot allow download.