Digitization

Library staff scanning a Chinese rare book using a high-end book scanner.

Stanford Libraries' digitization services

Digital access to collections held by Stanford Libraries is an essential part of teaching, research, and learning. We manage a robust service that digitizes a variety of library materials, including print, audio, video, and born-digital formats. 

Patrons can utilize our digitization services to gain digital access to the Libraries' collections. Library staff will facilitate your request with attention and efficiency and will communicate further details once the request is initiated.

How to make a digitization request 

To learn how to request digitization, please refer to information provided by these library units:

 

Otherwise, if you have identified library material in Searchworks for digitization, contact our reference librarians for assistance. 

Who can make a digitization request 

Stanford affiliates (students, faculty, and library staff), coordinate libraries, and patrons external to the university may request digitization services for research, teaching, and various academic pursuits.

What to expect

Our patrons can expect to receive high-quality files of the material they request in two to three weeks from the date of the request. Some charges may be incurred depending on the volume, affiliation, and material type. Requesters will be given a cost estimate for services before work proceeds and may decline services without penalty. See our pricing sheet.

Explore our digitization services

For examples of our work, visit the Digitization Exemplars online exhibit. To learn more about our labs, services, and workflows, visit the Stanford Libraries Digitization Services website.

Questions about digitization services? 

Please email digitization staff with any questions regarding our services.