Overview

The Alabama Maps digital archive and website is managed by University Libraries at the University of Alabama. University Libraries is committed to processing, preserving, and making available digitized historical maps, aerial photography, and other geographic resources that support the teaching and research missions of The University of Alabama. The specific protocols and procedures listed below are created to fulfill these objectives.

Any questions can be directed to Alabama Maps at alabama.maps@ua.edu.

Access

University Libraries is committed to maintaining the Alabama Maps digital archive and website, providing open and equitable access to associated map resources in accordance with legal requirements, privacy considerations, donor agreements, and institutional policies. The Alabama Maps website is constructed as an index and finding aid for your convenience.

All requests for digital reproduction must be submitted through The UA Libraries Special Collections Request System.

First time users will need to register for an account. Digital items will be delivered after processing and payment has been received (see fees below).

Use and Reproduction

The University Libraries provides photographic reproduction services, such as scanning, to researchers for a fee. All duplication is done by University Libraries staff.

To recieve digital scans of our items, please fill out the "Image Request" form through our Request System.

For publication, presentations, commercial use, or reproduction, in print or digital format, of all images and/or the accompanying data, users are required to secure prior written permission from the copyright holder and Alabama Maps. When permission is granted, please credit the images as "Courtesy of The University of Alabama Libraries."

To request permission, please fill out the "Application to Publish" form through our Request System.

Imaging and Digitization

All requests for digitization should be made through our Request System. If the image is for publication, an application to publish is also required, and may require an additional commercial use fee. Standalone requests are also provided if you have digitization needs that don’t require publishing permission or are seeking permission to publish items you don’t need to have digitized (i.e., items you’ve previously requested and received).

Copyright

Researchers are responsible for using digital materials available through Alabama Maps in conformity with United States copyright law as well as any institutional policies accompanying the materials. While copyright has elapsed for the original maps, photos, and publications available through Alabama Maps, the digital scans of these materials are the exclusive property of University Libraries (unless otherwise noted).

For more information about copyright policy, please visit: https://www.ua.edu/copyright/.

Reproduction Services and Related Fees

Alabama Maps and University Libraries provides photographic reproduction and digitization services to researchers for a fee.

All requests should be made through our Request System.

Reproduction for research purposes is permitted, and we reserve the right to decline photographic reproduction and digitization orders for collections materials due to copyright, confidentiality, or condition.

We reserve the right to limit the use of our collections for commercial purposes. Formal permission is required for any commercial use or publishing/broadcasting for commercial or non-commercial purposes.

Fee Schedule

Legal Requests and Documentation

All requests for copies and documentation used in the court of law must be directed to Senior Associate Dean Michael Arthur by emailing maarthur@ua.edu.

Reference Protocols

University Libraries is committed to providing the best possible service to all its patrons. We prefer to receive reference requests via email to alabama.maps@ua.edu. We do, however, also take questions over the telephone at (205)348-1096.

When calling or writing, please provide your contact information, if you have an affiliation with The University of Alabama, and a detailed explanation of your question.

Questions that are deemed "research" – those that require more time or effort than we can reasonably make - will be declined or referred. We respond to reference requests in the order that they are received. Please keep in mind that we receive numerous requests, and we have limited staffing who work in this area. We appreciate your patience.