- Use of Archives and Special Collections materials requires completion of a Researcher Registration Form. Additional application forms may be required for certain collections or records.
- The Archives and Special Collections’ holdings are non-circulating and stored in closed stacks. Archives and Special Collections staff will retrieve and return materials requested by researchers.
- No food, drink, bags, or coats are allowed on reading room tables when Archives and Special Collections holdings are being used.
- Only pencils are permitted for note-taking in the reading room.
- Archives and Special Collections materials are rare and often irreplaceable. Materials should be handled with extreme care.
- Only one folder or one item may be handled at a time. All materials must be kept in the order in which they are found. For certain materials, it may be necessary to wear gloves provided by Archives and Special Collections staff.
- Researchers may use handheld cameras to photograph items for personal reference only.
If the physical condition of the original permits, reproduction services for items not under special restrictions are available to users for a fee. Copies are for the purpose of private study under Fair Use and/or Library/Archives provisions of copyright law. It is the researcher’s responsibility to secure necessary permissions for publication or distribution.
Documents
If condition of the original permits, documents will be digitized by Archives and Special Collections staff upon request. All scans will be provided as 300 dpi PDFs.
- Previously digitized documents: No charge
- Less than 10 pages: No charge
- 11-100 pages: $0.25/page (minimum charge of $5.00)
- Over 100 pages: Custom order
Photographs
Digitized photographs will be provided as 300 dpi JPGs. 600 dpi TIFFs are available on request.
- Previously digitized images: No charge
- Single/first image: $5.00
- Each additional image after the first: $2.00/image
Other Formats
Digitization of other formats (maps, architectural drawings, films, cassette tapes, VHS tapes, photographic slides, etc.) will vary. Please contact archives@plu.edu for more information.
Pacific Lutheran University departments and units and ELCA Synods submitting a reproduction request in support of their University or Synod work will not be charged a fee, provided that the extent of the request does not present an unreasonable burden on Archives and Special Collections staff time.
It is the researcher’s responsibility to obtain any necessary permission from the holder(s) of copyright for publication or distribution of material held by the Pacific Lutheran University Archives and Special Collections. United States copyright law provides protection for unpublished materials as well as for published works.
Publishing/Distributing Material Under Copyright
The Pacific Lutheran University Archives and Special Collections does not hold the copyright to all materials in our holdings. We cannot grant permission for publication of materials for which we do not explicitly control the copyright. Permission may be granted only by the copyright holder(s). It is the researcher’s responsibility to identify the copyright holder(s) to obtain any necessary permission that is required under United States copyright law. Researchers may also consider the four factors of Fair Use described in Section 107 of the US Copyright Act. More information about Fair Use is available from the Columbia University Libraries.
Publishing/Distributing Material with Pacific Lutheran University Copyright
In a few limited instances, Pacific Lutheran University holds the copyright to certain types of materials held by the Archives and Special Collections. These materials include official University administrative documents, printed materials issued by the University, and photographs taken by University photographers. Researchers seeking to reproduce or publish such materials from Special Collections must complete an Application for Permission to Publish.
Publishing/Distributing Material in the Public Domain
The Pacific Lutheran University Archives and Special Collections does not require researchers to request permission for use of material from its collections in the public domain (material for which the statutory term of copyright has expired or that is otherwise ineligible for copyright protection). More information on Copyright Term and the Public Domain in the United States is available from the Cornell University Libraries.
The Archives and Special Collections may accept select donations of materials that are consistent with our collection policies for the University Archives, ELCA Region 1 Archives, and the Scandinavian Immigrant Experience Collection. Other donated materials outside of these areas that support student learning and research may be selected for our Special Collections. Donated materials added to our holdings will possess permanent research value and should be considered the original or final copy for distribution. Due to spacing and staff limitations, we are highly selective about the gifts we accept. No materials should be sent to the Archives and Special Collections without prior approval. If you are interested in donating, contact Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Lauren Loftis at loftis@plu.edu.
University departments and units should refer to the University Archives Records Retention Policy. ELCA Synods and Congregations should refer to the ELCA Records Retention Policies for Synods and Congregations.
Digital content made available by the Pacific Lutheran University Archives and Special Collections is intended to provide an accurate, authentic, and complete representation of information in our holdings. Such content is made available for scholarly purposes. We are unable to correct errors or inaccuracies found in original items, redact or otherwise alter content, or remove items from our digital collections except in the following cases:
- The digital content is in violation of copyright law.
- The digital content includes personally identifiable information (for example social security numbers or information protected by HIPAA or FERPA).
- There is evidence of a threat to personal safety or well-being caused by the presence of the digital content.
Individuals who believe that content found on our website or through our digital platforms falls into one of these categories may submit a removal request to Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Lauren Loftis at loftis@plu.edu.
Materials held by the Archives and Special Collections may include content that is inconsistent with the mission and values of Pacific Lutheran University. When utilizing these materials, including content available digitally, you may encounter offensive, oppressive, and/or outdated references and representations. This content is made available for transparency, accountability, and education. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Lauren Loftis at loftis@plu.edu.