PRINT-OUTS FROM MICROFILM
If a manuscript is on microfilm in the Manuscripts Section's reading room, you may obtain a print-out from the film copy. Owing to shortage of time, staff are unable to make copies on behalf of readers. However, the microfilms may be copied by personal callers using the Section's reader/printer at a cost of 20 pence for each A4 sheet. The reader/printer accepts 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 coins, but does not give change. Electronic cards, which work in photocopiers and microform printers throughout the Corporation's libraries, can be bought from Guildhall Library Bookshop. The machine is available on a first-come, first-served basis; bookings are not taken. The microfilms themselves are easily accessible on a self-service basis.
PHOTOCOPIES OF ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS
A photocopy of a manuscript not on microfilm in the reading room may be obtained if the manuscript will not be damaged in the photocopying process. Age, material, format, size, condition and use will all be taken into account when staff consider whether a document is suitable for copying. The following are not photocopied owing to difficulty in copying and the risk of damage: bound volumes (except Sun and Royal Exchange policy registers - see below for further information), wills and other probate material, ordination papers, marriage bonds, Cossart, Gordon material, Stock Exchange applications for listing; also large plans and other outsize documents, rolls and deeds with seals.
Photocopies cost 30 pence for each A4 sized sheet and 60 pence for each A3 sheet (except for copies from Sun and Royal Exchange policy registers which cost 30 pence a policy). Images can be reduced (A3 to A4) or enlarged (A4 to A3) on request. Orders may be placed in person or through the post. There is a minimum charge for postal orders of £1.20 plus postage and packing for A4 copies and copies from Sun and Royal Exchange policy registers, and £2.40 plus postage and packing for A3 copies. Postage and packing is charged if the copies are to be posted; staff can advise you of rates. Orders should be on an official photocopy order form (available from the Manuscripts Section) and accompanied by payment in full. Cheques should be made payable to the "City of London".
If you place your order in person, please get the form checked by staff at the Manuscripts enquiry desk and then take it to Guildhall Library Bookshop for payment. The receipted form should be handed back to staff at the Manuscripts enquiry desk. On Saturdays arrangements are different; please ask Manuscripts Section staff for further information.
Photocopying is done by library staff and orders usually take two or three days to be processed. Completed orders await collection in the Bookshop which is open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.45pm (telephone 020 7332 1858 to check if your order is ready). Alternatively, you may wish your order to be posted to you. Please indicate this on the form and include an appropriate amount for postage and packing in your payment (see above).
PLEASE NOTE: Guildhall Library does not have the resources to deal easily with large, complex or multiple photocopy orders. If you are likely to require extensive or complicated photocopying, please consult Manuscripts Section staff at an early stage. Large orders are likely to take longer to complete and may be subject to a handling charge. You may find it beneficial to consider alternatives to photocopying, such as microfilming (see below).
SUN AND ROYAL EXCHANGE POLICY REGISTERS
Please note that photocopies of no more than 10 policies may be ordered in a three month period. It is helpful if you restrict individual orders to a moderate size, say no more than ten policies.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPTS
Visitors to the section are normally permitted to photograph manuscripts using their own cameras. Please complete a copyright declaration form (obtainable from the Manuscripts enquiry desk) before you proceed.
If you wish to order a photograph from a professional photographer, please complete an official photography order form (available from the Manuscripts Section). Do not send any money to Guildhall Library with your order; payment should be made to the photographer when the work has been completed. You are advised to discuss your particular requirements with staff who will advise on prices and help you to complete the form.
MICROFILMS OF COMPLETE MANUSCRIPTS
It is possible to purchase microfilm copies of complete volumes and some other lengthy manuscripts. You are advised to discuss your requirements with Manuscripts Section staff, as there are a number of options available at different prices.
Institutions (universities, libraries, societies etc.) can order positive microfilm copies of manuscripts already filmed by the Mormons directly from them. You will need to obtain a letter of permission from Guildhall Library before you place your order with the Mormons; Manuscripts Section staff will advise you of the procedure. The Mormons will not supply copies to individuals. Payment is required in advance of any work being undertaken.
Copies can be made of non-Mormon films by a commercial firm. Guildhall Library holds some master negatives from which positives can be made. Positive copies can also be made from the Manuscripts Section's positives. You will need to complete a microfilm order form available from the Manuscripts Section. Payment is required in advance of any work being undertaken.
New films, of manuscripts not previously filmed, can be ordered on an official microfilm order form. New filming involves making a master negative of each film for Guildhall Library to keep, and a positive copy for the reader who will be required to pay for both. Payment is required in advance of any work being undertaken.
IMPORTANT NOTE: COPIES FOR PUBLICATION
If you wish to use copies for publication, rather than private study, you must if possible obtain permission from the copyright owner of the manuscript(s) before you proceed. Please consult Manuscripts Section staff for further information.
Last updated February 2008
Guildhall Library Manuscripts Section