Digital Reproduction Services

You can order high-resolution digital copies of image(s) from the National Library’s digital collection.

The conditions for reproduction and use can vary as the items in our collection come from various sources, such as donors and partners. You may acquire a non-exclusive, non-sub licensable, non-transferable right to use and reproduce the images from our collection. 

How to order: 

Please email your request to the National Library, Singapore at ref@nlb.gov.sg.

• Include information about the image source, such as title and page number of the publication, website link etc. 
• Do inform us of the purpose of use such as exhibition, publication, video etc. Please provide as much detail as possible. 
• We will then advise on the permissions, availability of high-resolution copies, and the credit lines within 3 to 5 working days. 

This is a chargeable service which is based on the Archival and Administrative Fee. This fee recognises the cost of managing and preserving the items and in administering and servicing requests for copies. 

Orders for reproduction will be processed when all approvals for reproduction and use have been granted and upon receipt of the applicant’s payment.

The fee is as follows: 

1. What is the NL e-Request System?
   You can submit and track the status of your requests for digital image reproduction from the National Library on the e-Request System (https://www.nas.gov.sg/erequest/).
   
   For other reference enquiries about the National Library (NL) collections and services, please email ref@nlb.gov.sg.

 

2. Can I make requests on-site or online?
   You may make the request online or on-site at one of our computers at the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library (LKCRL).
   
   LKCRL opening hours:
   Mondays to Sundays: 10.00am – 9.00pm, closed on gazetted public holidays.

 

3. Where is the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library?
   The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library is located at 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, Singapore 188064.

 

4. What kind of payment methods are accepted?
   Our online payment system accepts VISA, Mastercard and PayPal.

 

5. What is the waiting time to process requests for copies of digital images?
   LKCRL will respond within 3 to 5 working days of receiving the completed order form. Orders may take a longer time to process depending on the volume of requests and if permission needs to be sought from the respective copyright owner(s).

 

6. How do I submit a request to reproduce digital images?
   
   1. Go to National Library Online (https://www.nlb.gov.sg/main/nlonline)
   2. Search for the image(s) using the search bar.
   3. Add the image(s) into your cart by clicking on "Request a Copy".
   4. Go to your cart to specify and confirm details of your request. Follow the instructions to input your particulars and purpose of use, then submit your request.
   
   Do note that some digital images can be delivered immediately upon payment, while others may require further processing. We will contact you with further details within 3 to 5 working days of your submission.
   
   Please note that LKCRL does not provide image research services. It is the responsibility of the requestor to conduct the image searches and request to reproduce image(s) via the NL e-Request system.

 

7. Why are users not able to "request a copy" of some images?
   For images that do not have a "Request a Copy" button, please email ref@nlb.gov.sg.
   
   These images may belong to third party copyright owners, or have unclear rights statuses, and thus require additional processing. We will need an estimated 3 to 5 working days from the submission of the completed order form to update the requestor about the progress.
   
   Please seek permission directly from the copyright owners stated below, as LKCRL does not own the copyright to their images.
   
   Copyright owners:
   
   • Preservation of Sites and Monuments division, National Heritage Board NHB_NationalMonuments@nhb.gov.sg
   • National Arts Council https://www.nac.gov.sg/pages/feedback.html

 

8. Why are some images available upon payment while others are subject to approval?
   Images available upon payment are those with open access conditions and have been digitised. You will receive a download link within 30 minutes after payment has been made.
   
   Images subject to approval require additional processing and an update will be provided within 3 to 5 working days. These images may require permission from a third party and the waiting time is dependent on them.

 

9. What are the fees required to reproduce images?
   We charge the following Request Administration Fee which includes the cost of managing and preserving the items as well as to administer and service requests for copies.
   
   

   Description	Unit of Charging	GST-Exclusive	GST-Inclusive
   Request Administration Fee	Per record	$22.22	$24.00

 

10. What is the image quality?
    The digital images are dependent on the quality of the pictures as received or as reproduced by vendors. As such, their quality may vary. The digital images are of custom (not exhibition) quality and may differ from the copy shown online. We provide jpeg images at a minimal standard of 300 DPI.

 

11. How do I receive the images?
    Digital images will be delivered via electronic means.
    
    There may be a delay in processing orders for digital images in the event that LKCRL experiences a high volume of reproduction orders.

 

12. What are the terms of use for reproducing records?
    You agree to use the content only for the specific purposes as declared.
    
    You will not distribute or reuse the materials except with written permission from NLB.
    
    You will ensure the copies will not be retained or stored in any media and will be destroyed/deleted after the stated purpose has been served.
    
    You will reproduce all statements of acknowledgement as may be required by NLB in conjunction with the use of the records. Please refer to the "Credit Line" field on the respective image record pages, or contact ref@nlb.gov.sg with your Request ID for details on what statements if acknowledgement is required.
    
    You undertake to use the materials in a respectful manner and assume all responsibility for their use.
    
    You will be responsible for dealing with any public enquiry or feedback on the use of the materials and will inform the NLB promptly should the situation arise.
    
    You will inform NLB if the records will be altered or manipulated, including without limitation, cropping, colourising, and clearly stipulate in the image caption that the records have been significantly altered from the original and specify the changes made.
    
    You take responsibility for any liability, damage, loss or expenses that may be incurred as a result of the use of the records.
    
    You will submit to NLB two copies of the publication or work product in which the reproduced records are used, within two weeks of completion of the publication or product. These copies may be made available for public reference at NLB.

 

13. Will LKCRL clear copyrights for my requests and can I licence the material for other uses?
    LKCRL is not the clearing house for copyrights and users are expected to refer to the Copyright Act to ensure that they are not contravening it themselves. LKCRL is also not the appropriate authority to provide legal advice. LKCRL is only able to provide a non-exclusive, non sub-licensable, non-transferable copy for the specific purposes as stated in your request. This does not allow the user to share, sell, use or reproduce the records except as specified in your request and in compliance with the terms of use and the Copyright Act.