Getting copies of documents and publications
What we allow
You can make or buy copies under the terms of fair dealing. Normally, you can have one or more copies of a document or publication for non-commercial research and private study.
We restrict the bulk copying of documents that are available on any commercial partner's pay-per-view websites if your intention is to publish them in any way.
Read our copying policy.
Observing copyright
For each copy, we need you to acknowledge, in writing, your responsibility to comply with copyright. Please use the 'Copyright and Creating Copies' form for this purpose. There is a PDF version attached to this page, which you can print and partially complete before you visit. Or you can pick up a hard copy from the document collection desk in the public research room.
Making your own copies
If you are unable to visit us you can use an independent researcher. You will still need to complete a 'Copyright and Creating Copies' form. Please send the completed form to the researcher before they start the work.
Downloading or printing a copy from Ancestry
We are working with Ancestry to provide online access to some of our key resources. You can get digital copies of these resources from the Ancestry website, which you can access free at Gloucestershire Archives, Gloucestershire Family History Society or any Gloucestershire Library. You can find out what's currently available on Ancestry.
Certified copies from baptism registers and requesting copies of other documents
We can provide certified copies from baptism registers.
If you are unable to visit yourself, you can ask request copies of documents through our online catalogue.
Making copies with your own equipment
Providing you observe the limitations already set out, you can generally use your own camera equipment, including mobile phones, iPads and tablets, to make digital images. For collections care reasons, we do not allow flash photography and check the suitability of hand held scanners.
You will need a camera pass to make your own digital copies. There are three types to choose from:
- Day £7.50 Unlimited shots, valid on day of purchase
- 3 Day £15.00 Unlimited shots, valid on any three days for 12 months from issue date
- Annual £150.00 Unlimited shots, valid for 12 months from issue date
All passes are valid for a named individual and you should buy your preferred type at reception before making any copies. If you are working on a group project you may be eligible for one of our shared annual passes, which are valid for up to 6 people; please apply to the Customer Services Manager at archives@gloucestershire.gov.uk
The Day, 3 Day and Annual passes are also valid in Gloucestershire Libraries.
We have a portable camera stand that you can pre-book via the email address above.
Making copies with the Archives' equipment
Generally speaking, you can use the equipment in our public research room to print images up to A3 in size.
Options available
- Coloured copies from the printer linked to the PC with access to digital images of inclosure awards and maps @ £1.00 per copy
- Coloured copies from the printer linked to the People's Network PCs @ £0.25 per copy.