How can I get copies of archival material?
The Municipal Archives provides copying services subject to copyright legislation, donor agreements, and the physical condition of the records. Copies are provided for research and private study; other use may require authorization from the copyright owner.
If you can specifically identify the material required, contact the archives with your copy request, or "Submit Request" in the Archives Database. Staff will provide a digital copy suited to your needs.
If you are in the Archives’ Reading Room, you can use a hand-held camera, or the microfilm scanner/printer to make your own copies (digital or paper), without charge, for research and private study; otherwise all copying is done by Municipal Archives staff or approved external services, for a fee.
If you see material on the Municipal Archives’ database, website, or albums in the Flickr Commons , you may share or download it for personal research and enjoyment (see below for terms for use beyond research and private study). This material has no known copyright restrictions, unless noted with the item (e.g. that the photographer be acknowledged), that is, either
- the material is in the public domain,
- the Municipality owns the copyright and is willing to make the images available for research and personal enjoyment,
- the copyright holder has given permission for the material to be used, or
- the Archives has been unable to locate the copyright holder (If you are a rights holder and wish to contest the use of specific material, please contact the Archives.)
Images provided online are sized for web-viewing; higher-resolution copies can be requested.
Copying fees
You can pay for your copies by debit, charge-card, cash, cheque, or money order through the Municipal Archives (in-person or by phone); or at a Customer Service Centre (in-person).
- large-format scans (maps, plans from paper or microfilm): $15 per item
- scans of photos, maps, plans (under 11” x 17”): $12 per image ($10 per image for more than 10 items)
- scans from microfilm: no charge if done by researcher; $15 per hour if done by staff
- scans of text: $15 per hour of staff time
- photocopies (up to 11” x 17”): $0.50 per page, $0.60 per page for more than 50 pages
- print-outs from microfilm or computer: $0.25 per page if done by researcher; $15 per hour if done by staff
- audio-visual material: outsourced + $10 handling fee; if already digitized audio is $20/item, video is $40/item
Harmonized sales tax of 15% applies to all fees.
Courier service is at the expense of the researcher.
Students with valid school identification receive a 10% discount.
Use beyond research and private study
If you plan to use copies obtained from the Municipal Archives for a project beyond research or private study (e.g. a publication, promotional item, or website), you must submit a Permission to Publish Form to archives@halifax.ca or in person at the Municipal Archives.
Archives staff will notify you of copyright issues; however it is your responsibility to determine and satisfy copyright and other use restrictions before copying, transmitting, or making other use of protected items.
Archives staff will determine if commercial use requires a fee. Use fees help fund ongoing efforts to care for our collection.
Publication and use fees
- educational, non-commercial, or not-for-profit use: no fee
- commercial publication (books, periodicals, electronic publications, websites, CD-ROMs): $15.00 for cover placement, $10.00 for interior
- commercial broadcasting (video, photos, audio recordings): $50 per image or per minute
- commercial advertising, merchandising, or display: $50–$100 depending on use or quantity
Citation Guidance
Projects making use of archival records are asked to credit the Halifax Municipal Archives and refer to the retrieval code provided with the copy so that future researchers can request the same material. Ideally a full citation is given in this format:
- <title of item>, <date>, <series> <retrieval code> - Halifax Municipal Archives
- eg. City Hall, 1929, City Clerk's Office photograph 102-5A.23 - Halifax Municipal Archives
For social media posts, in addition to the citation, please tag us:
- Facebook: @hfxgov #hfxarchives
- Twitter: @hfxgov #hfxarchives
- Instagram: @hfxmoments #hfxarchives