The Rhode Island Historical Society is pleased to share its film archive with all interested scholars and researchers. The Society’s Library is not a lending institution, but offers duplication services to those patrons who meet our licensing and preservation requirements. All applications for reproductions are subject to the approval of the Rhode Island Historical Society. The RIHS does not have an in-house lab, therefore we depend on outside vendors. Most transfers take approximately four weeks, depending on the scope of the project. Please be aware of this time line when formulating deadlines.

Many of the Society’s films are in original 16mm format and are in delicate condition. To ensure the preservation of the original film, we transfer each reel in its entirety. The Society reserves the right to refuse to copy any items that may be damaged by the reproduction process or that are restricted by copyright.

License Agreement
The Rhode Island Historical Society offers a one-time non-exclusive License Agreement for use of said film for a period of ten years with three airings per year. The production can only be distributed in the market which has been stated in the License Agreement. Additional markets will be subject to additional license agreements. Video copies of broadcast films are considered additional markets. If an image is publicly aired without obtaining a License Agreement, the producer is subject to penalties up to $300.00 per image.

Copyright Film Archive
The film archive was originally conceived as a research collection. The Society maintains the copyright to the physical film, but the intellectual copyright remains the property of various broadcast companies and producers. It is the patron’s responsibility to contact additional copyright owners of the film to obtain the proper clearance. Patrons must obtain and present written permission from the appropriate authority or news director before the Society will release the film for transfer and use. Verbal permission will not be accepted. Records of ownership may be obtained through the Library of Congress Copyright Office, Washington, D.C.

Transferring
The Rhode Island Historical Society does not have an in-house film lab, therefore we depend on commercial labs. Prices are subject to change, so please do not send payment with completed Rights and Reproductions Application. A quote will be issued to applicants 3 to 7 business days from receipt of the application. Once we receive payment, it takes up to four weeks to process your film order. The Graphic Division has a small staff, so rush orders are not available.

Use
The Use fee is based on a sliding scale depending on the type of production and distribution. All fees must be paid in advance before a License Agreement is issued and images are released for publication/project. Permission to reproduce and the corresponding fees cover only the specific occasion and use detailed in the user’s request and for which the RIHS has agreed. Any and all reprints, future editions, or additional use of any kind must be preceded by a new request, and is subject to additional fees.

Film Rentals
The patron may only rent the transfer copy for a period of two months. The patron is responsible for the rental fee of $50.00. The patron is responsible for the timely return of transfers. If not returned, the patron must pay the cost of another transfer, plus an additional rental fee.

Payment
Full payment is required in advance for all photo orders and license agreements. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check, American Express, Visa or MasterCard. Please contact the Graphics division for final quote. Applicable taxes and/or mailing fees will be added to all orders. (RI residents 7% tax is required.)

Credit Line
If using the Society’s film materials, the credit line must be prominently placed during the final credits of film and must appear on air with clarity. The credit line should acknowledge the following:

From the Collections of the Rhode Island Historical Society

and (the appropriate broadcast station/producer).

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