Because archival materials are by definition unique, and often irreplaceable, permission must be granted by the archivist before materials can be photocopied. If it is determined by the archivist that the document is physically sound, and the content is not of a confidential nature (grades, medical diagnoses, gossip, etc.), photocopying is permitted.

A photocopy machine is available in the Archives. Material should be read carefully before photocopying is requested. Photocopying will not be permitted simply because the researcher does not want to take the time to study the materials. It is essential to maintain the order of archival materials, therefore, materials are NOT to be pulled from their folders or boxes. OUT CARDS or other "flags" will be given to researchers to be placed in front of the documents to be photocopied.

In some cases, researchers will also be asked to fill out a ‘Request to Photocopy Form’ on which items are well described. This form is necessary when a collection’s use is restricted in some ways and permission to photocopy must be granted on an item-by-item basis; or when a researcher is requesting that the archives staff do the photocopying for her/him.

Researchers are encouraged to do their own copying. They will copy only on the machine in the Archives. Doing their own copying ensures that they get exactly what is wanted, and that the quality of the copies is acceptable. Also, Archives staff is limited and it is often difficult for a staff member to be able to dedicate uninterrupted time to photocopying.

CHARGES. Students, staff and faculty of The University of Akron are encouraged to buy a photocopy card. With this card they are charged 5 cents per copy. Non-University researchers use the Archives photocopy card, and are charged 10 cents per copy. Researchers wishing to have Archives staff copy for them will be charged 25 cents per copy.

All copyright laws will of course be observed, and photocopies used in published form must be acknowledged properly and permission must be obtained from proper sources.