Officially, Illinois aerial photographs held in the Map Library are non-circulating items. Arrangements can be made with Map Library staff to borrow up to 50 photographs so that they may be taken to an on-campus office for scanning. Borrowers are required to present a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ID. No other forms of identification, or identification cards from other colleges or universities, will be accepted. A card detailing the specifics of each photo being borrowed will be filled out and signed by the borrower at the time of borrowing. Loaned aerial photographs must be returned by 4:30pm on the day borrowed. Late photographs will be assessed, as if they were reserved items, a per item fine of $5.00 per hour, or any portion of an hour, overdue.
Scanning in Map Library
The Map Library has a desktop scanner that patrons may use free of charge to scan small numbers of photos. It can easily accommodate standard 6×9 and 9×9 inch photographs. File sizes of scanned air photos can be quite large. Bring a flash drive with plenty of free space if planning to use the Map Library’s scanner. Please speak to Map Library staff to make arrangements to bring in personally-owned desktop scanning equipment.
Scanning from Web Form Request
After Map Library staff have retrieved photographs requested through the online scanned indexes and associated web form, requestors will be asked if they are interested in any photos being scanned by the Map Library. Standard scanning will be done at 600dpi and result in JPG files. Files will be copied to a Box folder for requestors to view and download free of charge. Map Library staff are happy to scan up to 5 photographs at no charge. For more than 5 photographs, scanning by the Library’s Digitization Services office will be recommended.
Scanning by Library Digitization Services
The Library’s Digitization Services can digitize, scan, and photograph items upon request. The current pricing structure is $20.00 for the first item in a scanning order and $2.00 for each additional item. Turnaround time on requested services is usually 10-15 business days. Digitization Services’ usual practice is to place copies of files in Box folders for viewing and downloading. Please consult with the Map Library staff if interested in this option. Map Library staff will facilitate completing any forms needed and will transport photos to-and-from the digitization office. Any correspondence about filling the scanning order as well as billing will be handled by Digitization Services. If an order for scanning through Digitization Services has been placed but has not been filled within a reasonable amount of time, please contact the Map Library directly for assistance.
Beginning with the fall 2022 semester, Library users who order scans from Digitization Services will need to have a UIUC Aeon account to enable billing. Aeon is a system designed to enable access to and reproduction of special collections materials. If a Library user already has established a UIUC Aeon account, a new account is not required. Library users without a UIUC Aeon account should visit or will be directed to the Special Collections User Account webpage to create an account.