Requests made by mail, e-mail, or FAX are answered in order of receipt. The average response time is about 4 weeks. Researchers should enclose a photocopy of the picture with information on the author, title, and date of the publication from which the image was copied and the page number on which it was found. The staff cannot conduct lengthy searches, make editorial selection of images, produce long lists of images, nor undertake extensive research projects. When these services are required, a list of freelance picture searchers in the Washington, D.C. area is supplied.
Some material is stored off-site, and some material is served only by appointment.
The Prints and Photographs Division was formally established in 1897 as the Department of Graphic Arts. The Prints and Photographs collections today number over 13.6 million images. These include photographs, fine and popular prints and drawings, posters, and architectural and engineering drawings. While international in scope, the collections are particularly rich in materials produced in, or documenting the history of, the United States and the lives, interests and achievements of the American people. Return to top of page .