[Alexander Graham Bell with his wife Mabel and daughters Elsie (left) and Marian (Daisy)]

More about Copyright and other Restrictions

For guidance about compiling full citations consult
Citing Primary Sources.

• Rights Advisory:
  

  See
  Rights and Restrictions Information Page

• Reproduction Number:

  LC-G9-Z4-116,794-T (b&w film copy neg.)

• Call Number:

  LOT 11533-B7-4 [item] [P&P]

• Access Advisory:

  —

Obtaining Copies

If an image is displaying, you can download it yourself. (Some images display only as thumbnails outside
the Library of Congress because of rights considerations, but you have access to larger size images on
site.)

Alternatively, you can purchase copies of various types through
Library of Congress Duplication Services.

1. If a digital image is displaying: The qualities of the digital image partially
   depend on whether it was made from the original or an intermediate such as a copy negative or
   transparency. If the Reproduction Number field above includes a reproduction number that starts
   with LC-DIG…, then there is a digital image that was made directly from the original
   and is of sufficient resolution for most publication purposes.

2. If there is information listed in the Reproduction Number field above:
   You can use the reproduction number to purchase a copy from Duplication Services. It will be
   made from the source listed in the parentheses after the number.

   If only black-and-white (“b&w”) sources are listed and you desire a copy showing
   color or tint (assuming the original has any), you can generally purchase a quality copy of
   the original in color by citing the Call Number listed above and including the catalog
   record (“About This Item”) with your request.

3. If there is no information listed in the Reproduction Number field above:
   You can generally purchase a quality copy through Duplication Services. Cite the Call Number
   listed above and include the catalog record (“About This Item”) with your request.

Price lists, contact information, and order forms are available on the
Duplication Services Web site.

Access to Originals

Please use the following steps to determine whether you need to fill out a call slip in the Prints
and Photographs Reading Room to view the original item(s). In some cases, a surrogate (substitute image) is
available, often in the form of a digital image, a copy print, or microfilm.

1. Is the item digitized? (A thumbnail (small) image will be visible on the left.)

   • Yes, the item is digitized.
     Please use the digital image in preference to requesting the original. All images can be
     viewed at a large size when you are in any reading room at the Library of Congress. In some
     cases, only thumbnail (small) images are available when you are outside the Library of
     Congress because the item is rights restricted or has not been evaluated for rights
     restrictions.
     
     As a preservation measure, we generally do not serve an original item when a digital image
     is available. If you have a compelling reason to see the original, consult with a reference
     librarian. (Sometimes, the original is simply too fragile to serve. For example, glass and
     film photographic negatives are particularly subject to damage. They are also easier to see
     online where they are presented as positive images.)
   • No, the item is not digitized. Please go to #2.

2. Do the Access Advisory or Call Number fields above indicate that a non-digital surrogate exists,
   such as microfilm or copy prints?

   • Yes, another surrogate exists. Reference staff can direct you to this
     surrogate.
   • No, another surrogate does not exist. Please go to #3.
3. If you do not see a thumbnail image or a reference to another surrogate, please fill out a call slip in
   the Prints and Photographs Reading Room. In many cases, the originals can be served in a few minutes.
   Other materials require appointments for later the same day or in the future. Reference staff can
   advise you in both how to fill out a call slip and when the item can be served.

To contact Reference staff in the Prints and Photographs Reading Room, please use our
Ask A Librarian service or call the reading room between 8:30 and
5:00 at 202-707-6394, and Press 3.