NASM Archives Paper Print Series FAQ

How permanent are these prints?

The inks used in ink jet printers are not permanent, and are susceptible, like photographs and prints, to fading when displayed in sunlight. Also, the ink used is water soluble, so don't let your paper prints get wet.

My Paper Print seems to have strange color variations in a couple of areas. Why?

While an effort has been made to provide the best possible reproduction, the paper prints are based on original archival images of varying quality. The NASM Archives has not altered the digitized images to correct for existing damage in the original images. Images from the Rudy Arnold Photo Collection, for instance, will frequently show faint uneven color variations which are the result of moisture damage suffered by the original color transparencies at some point in their past.

Can I get paper prints of photographs which are not listed in a prepared set?

No. We have only just started to offer this service, and we are not set up to handle custom requests. If there's some subject you'd really like to see, however, please let us know. We may be able to include it in a future set. Send your questions or comments to us at Archives Division, National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC 20560-0322; by fax at 202-786-2835; or by e-mail.

May I use these prints in a publication?

Please be advised that National Air and Space Museum images may NOT be reproduced in any format-including use on a web site-- without the written permission of the NASM Archives Division. Unless you intend to reproduce the image at a very small size, the resolution of the paper prints is probably too low to reproduce well. For those patrons who need high-quality imagery for use in a publication, custom-printed copy photographs are available from the Smithsonian Institution Office of Imaging, Printing, and Photographic Services (OIPP) starting at a cost of $40.00 for a black-and-white 8" x 10" print.

Each Paper Print is printed in a format which includes some descriptive information; can I get a Paper Print that has the image without any text?

No. The Paper Prints are only available in this one format.

Since you've already scanned the original photographs to make the Paper Prints, can I get copies of the digitized image files?

No. The NASM Archives Division does not make electronic files of any type available to the public.

How long will it take to receive my Paper Prints? Is there a RUSH service available which will get me my paper Prints faster?

We attempt to fill orders for Paper Prints within two to three weeks of receipt, but please be advised that all reference requests and orders for copies of materials in the NASM Archives collections are answered and filled inthe order in which they are received. There is no RUSH service available. Since the length of time required to complete an order will vary according to the NASM Archives Division's current workload, we are not able to offer any guarantees to meet customer's deadlines. There are no exceptions to this policy.

Can I have my completed Paper Prints shipped to me using an express delivery service?

No. All orders for Paper Prints are shipped via the U.S. Mail.