Ordering copies online

On this page

Overview

You may use this form to buy copies of material from the collection of Library and Archives Canada (LAC) such as:

  • archival records (including Personnel Records of the First World War and Service Files of the Second World War - War Dead, 1939-1947)
  • published material (such as books, magazines, theses, microforms)
  • artwork
  • maps
  • photographs
  • stamp-related (philatelic) documents
  • videos
  • sound recordings

To request copies of the records below, you must use the access to information and privacy forms:

  • personnel files of former civilian federal employees
  • military service files of former members of the Canadian Armed Forces after 1919
  • restricted archival records of federal government institutions
  • current business records of LAC

You may not be able to view or make copies of some material from LAC's collection. Learn about the restrictions on viewing and copying material.

You may make copies yourself when you are visiting LAC in Ottawa. For material that is held in Vancouver or Winnipeg, you must request copies directly from those offices.

What you can order

You may order copies of items from the collection of Library and Archives Canada (LAC) in the formats listed in Table 1. Digital copies may be sent to you electronically or put on a device (such as a CD, DVD, USB key or hard drive) and shipped to you (see Prices, time frames and delivery for available devices).

Copies of restricted material cannot be sent electronically, but can be mailed to you.

The quality (or resolution) of digital copies and photographic prints may vary depending on the format. Images are usually made at 300 dots per inch (dpi), but you may ask for a higher resolution on the order form using the special instructions box.

Table 1: Types of material that may be copied and the formats available

You may ask if other formats are available on the order form using the special instructions box.

Table 1
Types of material Formats for copies
Architectural drawings and maps
  • TIFF
  • photographic print
  • photocopy (black and white,18 x 24 inches)
Art (paintings, stamp-related artwork)
  • TIFF
  • photographic print
Photographs and negatives
  • TIFF
  • photographic print
Sound recordings (cassettes, CDs, reel-to reel tapes and vinyl discs)
  • MP3
  • WAV
Text documents (archival records; books, magazines, microforms, theses, and other published material)
Videos (Blu-ray discs; DVDs; 16-, 28- and 35-mm films; and VHS tapes)
  • DVD
  • standard definition
  • high definition (2K)
  • ultra high definition (4K)
Table 1 footnotes
Note 1

LAC only makes photocopies for certified copies or where restricted by law.

Return to footnote 1 referrer

What you need before you order

Library and Archives Canada’s (LAC) Copyright Services will check for copyright or other restrictions, so this review may affect your deadline. Please allow LAC plenty of time to review your order. Before you order:

Check for a digital copy

Before you order, check the online databases to see if a digital copy already exists. If there is one, you can save it directly to your computer. You can use the order form to request a higher quality copy if needed.

Check the number of pages

LAC cannot count the number of pages in archival boxes or in documents. For example, the reference number that you give for an archival record may refer to a box that holds thousands of pages. LAC recommends that you look at the material onsite before ordering copies.

You may hire a freelance researcher to count the number of pages for you.

If you do not know the number of pages, on the form you can limit the number of pages per item that you will pay for.

Find the title and reference number for the material

For each item you order, find the title and reference number and enter it in the form (see Examples of reference numbers and titles).

Prices, time frames and delivery

The time for Library and Archives Canada (LAC) to finish your order depends on the number of items, workload, and delivery from off-site storage. Please order your copies well ahead of your deadline.

You can get pricing information for these types of copies:

Text documents

LAC provides PDFs of archival records and published documents (such as books, magazines, microforms, theses). LAC only makes photocopies for certified copies or where restricted by law.

LAC cannot count the number of pages in your order, so you can limit the number of pages that you will pay for on the form. For example, the reference number that you give from an archival record may refer to a box that holds thousands of pages.

Prices

These are the costs for your order:

  • Cost of each page (see Table 2)
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Shipping by Canada Post Lettermail, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form
  • Handling fee for items that are shipped ($0.35 per order)

Table 2: Cost per page for text documents

All PDFs are made in the original colour of the document at an image quality of 300 dots per inch (dpi).

Table 2: Cost per page for text documents
Service type Cost for each page Cost for seniors and students note2

Regular service

$0.40

$0.30

Table 2 footnotes
Note 2

Seniors and students must provide proof of their status after sending in their order.

Return to footnote 2 referrer

Service standards

Table 3: Time frame for LAC to complete orders for text documents

Table 3: Time frame for LAC to complete orders for text documents
Service type Time frame Copy limit

Regular service

30 working days

6,000 pages note3

Table 3 footnotes
Note 3

Add an extra week for every 1,000 pages over 6,000 pages.

Return to footnote 3 referrer

Art, maps or photographs
(digital copies)

On behalf of LAC, Brechin Group Inc. makes digital copies of architectural drawings, art, books, charts, journals, magazines, maps, photographs, plans, postal materials, and stamps.

Copies are usually made with an image quality of 300 pixels per inch (ppi), but may vary depending on the size of the item. If you want a higher image quality, state it in the special instruction box on the order form. There is an additional cost for higher quality images.

Copies of restricted material will be sent by CD or DVD as they cannot be sent by Dropbox or File Transfer Protocol (FTP).

Prices

These are the costs for an order shipped on CD or DVD:

  • Cost for each image under 100 copies (see Table 4)
  • Discount for orders of 100 copies and over (see Table 5)
  • Cost of storage device ($3.95 for each CD or $10.95 for each DVD used)
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Invoice if mailed ($2.20 for each order)
  • Shipping by Canada Post Lettermail (if order is less than $75), or by Xpresspost (if order is rush or more than $75), or you can ask for another delivery method on the form

These are the costs for electronic delivery:

  • Cost for each image under 100 copies (see Table 4)
  • Discount for orders of 100 copies and over (see Table 5)
  • Cost of electronic delivery by Dropbox or FTP (see Table 6)
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Invoice if mailed ($2.20 for each order)

Table 4: Cost for each digital image under 100 copies

Table 4: Cost for each digital image under 100 copies
Size of image Cost for each image,
regular service
Cost for each image,
rush service

4 x 5 inches

$12.85

$25.70

5 x 7 inches

$12.85

$25.70

8 x 10 inches

$12.85

$25.70

11 x 14 inches

$12.85

$25.70

16 x 20 inches

$12.85

$25.70

20 x 24 inches

$19.95

$39.90

30 x 40 inches

$19.95

$39.90

40 x 60 inches

$39.95

$49.95

Table 5: Discount for digital image orders of 100 copies and over

Orders of 100 copies and over can only be done by regular service.

Table 5: Discount for digital image orders of 100 copies and over
Colour of image Number of images Discount

Colour

100 to 249

25%

Colour

250 and over

30%

Black-and-white

100 to 249

25%

Black-and-white

250 to 499

35%

Black-and-white

500 to 749

40%

Black-and-white

750 and over

45%

Table 6: Cost of electronic delivery for digital images

Table 6: Cost of electronic delivery for digital images
File delivery Image size Cost for the first
5 images
Cost of each extra image
over 5 images

Brechin Dropbox/FTP server*

Up to 8 x 10 inches

$12.95

$0.60

Brechin Dropbox/FTP server*

Over 8 x 10 inches

$15.50

$1.20

Your own Dropbox/FTP server**

Up to 8 x 10 inches

$8.95

$0.60

Your own Dropbox/FTP server **

Over 8 x 10 inches

$11.50

$1.20

* Includes hosting, scanning of work order and invoice handling.
** Includes scanning of work order and invoice handling.

Service standards

Table 7: Time frame for Brechin Group Inc. to complete orders for digital copies

LAC will contact you if we cannot complete your order within the time frames.

Table 7: Time frame for Brechin Group Inc. to complete orders for digital copies
Service type Time frame Copy limit

Regular service

6 to 10 weeks

100 images

Rush service

10 working days

5 images

Art, maps or photographs
(photographic prints)

On behalf of LAC, Brechin Group Inc. makes photographic prints of architectural drawings, art, books, charts, journals, magazines, maps, plans, photographs, postal materials, and stamps.

Prices

These are the costs for your order:

  • Cost of each photographic print (see Table 8)
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Shipping by Canada Post Lettermail (if order is less than $75), or by Xpresspost (if order is rush or more than $75), or you can ask for another delivery method on the form

Table 8: Cost of photographic prints

This table gives prices for black-and-white or colour photos (glossy or matte finish), made with an image quality of 300 dots per inch (dpi).

Table 8: Cost of photographic prints
Size of print Cost for each print,
regular service
Cost for each print,
rush service

4 x 5 inches

$12.95

$25.90

5 x 7 inches

$15.95

$31.90

8 x 10 inches

$19.95

$39.90

11 x 14 inches

$29.95

$59.90

16 x 20 inches

$44.95

$89.90

20 x 24 inches

$59.95

$119.90

30 x 40 inches

$109.95

$159.90

40 x 60 inches

$204.95

$204.95

Service standards

Table 9: Time frame for Brechin Group Inc. to complete orders for photographic prints

LAC will contact you if we cannot complete your order within the time frames.

Table 9: Time frame for Brechin Group Inc. to complete orders for photographic prints
Service type Time frame Copy limit

Regular service

6 to 10 weeks

100 prints

Rush service

10 working days

5 prints

Videos

On behalf of LAC, Baseline Communications Inc. makes digital copies of 16-, 28- and 35-mm films; VHS tapes; DVDs and Blu-ray discs. They only provide copies of entire videos; they do not provide segments or "stock shots."

You can request most popular file formats and codecs such as Apple ProRes, H.264/MPEG-4, MPEG-2, WMV, XDCAM, DNxHD. If you want another format, state it in the special instruction box on the order form.

Prices

These are the costs for an order shipped on DVD:

  • Cost of copying to a DVD (see Table 10)
  • Cost of conversion to PAL video (an international format) ($38.95), if requested
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Shipping by Xpresspost, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form

These are the costs for electronic delivery:

  • Cost of conversion to PAL video (an international format) ($38.95), if requested
  • Cost of conversion to one of these levels of quality:
  • Cost of uploading or transfer time (see Table 14)
  • Cost of electronic device (unless you provide it)
    • Shipping of electronic device by Xpresspost, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)

Table 10: Cost of copying to a DVD

Table 10: Cost of copying to a DVD
Length of content Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

0–30 minutes

$33.40

$66.80

31–60 minutes

$39.20

$78.40

61–90 minutes

$46.80

$93.60

91–120 minutes

$53.60

$107.20

Table 11: Cost of copying standard definition video

Table 11: Cost of copying standard definition video
Length of content Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

0–30 minutes

$49.95

$99.90

31–60 minutes

$89.90

$179.80

61–90 minutes

$124.75

$248.00

91–120 minutes

$149.85

$299.70

121 minutes and over

$149.85 + $1.25 for each minute over 120 minutes

$299.70 + $2.50 for
each minute over 120 minutes

Table 12: Cost of copying high definition (2K) video

Table 12: Cost of copying high definition (2K) video
Length of content Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

0–30 minutes

$74.95

$149.90

31–60 minutes

$139.90

$279.80

61–90 minutes

$189.75

$379.50

91–120 minutes

$229.85

$459.70

121 minutes and over

$229.85 + $1.90 for each minute over 120 minutes

$459.70 + $3.80 for each minute over 120 minutes

Table 13: Cost of copying ultra-high definition (4K) video

Table 13: Cost of copying ultra-high definition (4K) video
Length of content Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

0–30 minutes

$94.95

$189.90

31–60 minutes

$174.90

$349.80

61–90 minutes

$239.75

$479.50

91–120 minutes

$289.85

$579.70

121 minutes and over

$289.85 + $2.40 for each minute over 120 minutes

$579.70 + $4.80 for each minute over 120 minutes

Table 14: Cost of uploading or transfer time for videos

Table 14: Cost of uploading or transfer time for videos
Item Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

Sent to Dropbox or FTP
(up to 20 gigabytes)

$74.95

$149.90

Sent to Dropbox or FTP
(over 20 gigabytes)

$149.90

$299.80

Transfer time to an electronic device such as a USB key or external hard drive

$85 an hour

$170 an hour

Service standards

Table 15: Time frame for Baseline Communications Inc. to complete orders for videos

LAC will contact you if we cannot complete your order within the time frames.

Table 15: Time frame for Baseline Communications Inc. to complete orders for videos
Service type Time frame Copy limit

Regular service

6 to 10 weeks

75 items

Rush service

10 working days

5 items

Sound recordings

On behalf of LAC, Baseline Communications Inc. provides digital copies of sound recordings such as CDs, cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes and vinyl discs. They only provide copies of entire sound recordings; they do not provide segments.

You may request your copy in MP3 or WAV file formats. If you want another format, state it in the special instruction box on the order form. Copies may be sent on CD or by File Transfer Protocol (FTP) or Dropbox.

Prices

These are the costs for an order shipped on CD:

  • Copying onto a CD (for up to 74 minutes of content per disc: $36.60 for regular service, $73.20 for rush service)
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Shipping by Xpresspost, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form

These are the costs for electronic delivery:

  • Cost of uploading or transfer time (see Table 16)
  • Cost of electronic device (unless you provide it)
    • Shipping of electronic device by Xpresspost, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)

Table 16: Cost of uploading or transfer time for sound recordings

Table 16: Cost of uploading or transfer time for sound recordings
Item Cost for regular service Cost for rush service

Sent to Dropbox or FTP
(up to 20 gigabytes)

$74.95

$149.90

Sent to Dropbox or FTP
(over 20 gigabytes)

$149.90

$299.80

Transfer time to an electronic device such as a USB key or external hard drive

$85 an hour

$170 an hour

Service standards

Table 17: Time frame for Baseline Communications Inc. to complete orders for sound recordings

LAC will contact you if we cannot complete your order within the time frames.

Table 17: Time frame for Baseline Communications Inc. to complete orders for sound recordings
Service type Time frame Copy limit

Regular service

6 to 10 weeks

75 items

Rush service

10 working days

5 items

Architectural drawings, maps or plans
(18 x 24 inch photocopies)

LAC provides black-and-white 18 x 24 inch photocopies of architectural drawings, maps, and plans. Seniors and students do not get a discount.

Prices

These are the costs for your order:

  • $4 for each photocopy
  • Federal and provincial taxes where applicable (orders from outside Canada are tax-free)
  • Shipping by Canada Post Lettermail, or you can ask for another delivery method on the form
  • Handling fee ($0.35 per order)

Service Standards

LAC will complete your order within 30 working days, or will contact you if your order is too large to complete in time. Rush service is not available.

Order copies

Use this form to order copies from the collection of Library and Archives Canada (LAC).

Terms and conditions

After you order

You will receive a confirmation email that includes your order number. Use this order number to Contact reprography services with any questions.

When required, LAC will review your order and will let you know of any copyright or other restrictions.

Paying for your order

LAC or a private company will contact you when your order is complete and is ready for payment. Use the order form if you want to order more copies.

  • Paying for copies made by Library and Archives Canada

    LAC makes PDF copies of text documents and 18 x 24 inch photocopies of architectural drawings, maps and plans.

    If you asked for a senior or student discount for copies of text documents, you must email proof to the Reprography team. Include the order number from the confirmation email.

    • Seniors (over 65 years old) must email a scanned copy of a document that shows date of birth, preferably with a photo, such as a driver's licence, birth certificate, provincial health insurance card, or passport
    • Students must email a scanned copy of their photo identification card showing full-time status as a student at an accredited educational institution.

    LAC will email you a link to pay the Receiver General for your order. You may pay by credit or debit card. You will get your copies after the Receiver General gets your payment.

    Government of Canada staff must pay using the interdepartmental settlement system by entering these codes on the form: department number, organization code and reference code.

    If you have questions, contact the Reprography team and include your order number.

  • Paying for copies made by Baseline Communications Inc.

    Baseline Communications Inc. makes digital copies of sound recordings and videos.

    Baseline Communications Inc. will contact you by email or phone about paying for your order. You may pay by cash, credit card, Paypal, or e-Transfer. They will send your copies after they get your payment.

    Government of Canada staff must pay Baseline Communications Inc. directly.

    Baseline Communications Inc.
    11 Friendly Crescent
    Ottawa, Ontario
    K2S 2B5

    Telephone: 613-224-2049
    Toll-free: 1-877-529-0696
    Email: admin@baselinecommunications.com

  • Paying for copies made by Brechin Group Inc.

    Brechin Group Inc. makes digital copies and photographic prints of art, maps or photographs.

    Brechin Group Inc. will contact you by email or phone about paying for your order. You may pay by credit card, cheque or wire transfer. They will send your copies after they get your payment.

    Government of Canada staff must pay Brechin Group Inc. directly.

    The Brechin Group Inc.
    555 Legget Drive, Suite 234
    Ottawa, Ontario
    K2K 2X3

    Telephone: 613-592-5235 or
    Toll free: 1 877 799-9949
    Fax: 613-592-4728
    Email: info@brechingroup.com

Using your copies

You must give credit or cite LAC material if you use it in your research.