Copying Policy
Reviewed and updated August 2023
Approved by Steve Lloyd, Head of Cultural Services, 24 October 2023
This document will be reviewed and updated in 2026 in line with the Archives Service Accreditation programme.
We are pleased to supply copies of material held here and to allow you to take your own photographs for private study whenever possible.
We do however always have to consider whether the copying processes might harm the books and documents in our care. Some items are too large or bulky for us to copy without risk of damage, while others are too fragile, or have seals that might be damaged by the copying process.
Wherever possible we will offer you a safe alternative method of reproducing the document - such as digital scanning, or the opportunity to take your own photographs under supervision.
We also have to act in accordance with current copyright laws and to respect the wishes of owners who have restricted the copying of their documents.
You can order a copy in person, by letter, email or online form.
We ask you to pay for your copies in advance.
The person who is going to use the copy must sign a copyright declaration form to confirm that he or she will use it for research and private study only. If you are ordering a copy on behalf of someone else, you must ask them to sign the form before you place the order.
We process requests for copies as soon as possible, in the order in which they are received, and aim to respond to all written and emailed requests within 5 working days.
Digital scanning
Lancashire Archives can provide black and white hardcopy or colour digital images of:
- volumes (depending on format)
- documents up to A1 size (depending on format)
Copies of Ordnance Survey maps and plans
There is a separate service for providing black and white copies of OS maps and plans.
Printout of items on microfilm or microfiche
You may make your own black and white copies from existing microfilm and microfiche on the self-service reader/printers in the record office searchroom.
Taking your own photographs for private study
There is a fee for this facility; please see the separate sheet of Guidelines or ask staff for advice.
Please ask for further details and prices (we can also supply images on CD)
To make additional copies of material or to publish any item please write to:
Archives Service Manager,
Lancashire Archives,
Bow Lane,
Preston,
PR1 2RE
Email: archives@lancashire.gov.uk