General Albums Sequence of St Andrews University Library

Many of the albums were formed by the photographers contemporaneously with the creation of the images. However, some of the albums contain a mixture of early photography and later material. The albums can also contain published works and may have been created for sale shortly after the images were taken. Most of the albums have been digitised, loaded onto the photographic database and indexed.

This is a gathered collection of albums which have come into the possession of the library by various methods.

The albums are arranged in the order of accession and are allocated a sequential number. Images are identified by album number and sub number.

The photographic collections are currently the subject of a major digitisation project. It is the intention to have the entire archive captured in electronic form, and available (with sophisticated searching facilities) on line via the web. A full version of the software can be accessed in the Library and researchers are welcome to visit the library to use it but it is important that appointments are made in advance. Access to original photographic material may be restricted.

Description compiled by Rachel Hart, Archives Hub Project Archivist.

There are partial slip indices to topographical views and individual and groups. However, these are very basic. Most of the photographic material before 1870 is increasingly available on line, where the indexing of the images forms the finding aid.

Copies of images held in the photographic collection (with the exception of any photographs which are held either without copyright or under other restrictions imposed by the donor or photographer) can be ordered. Photographs thus provided for purely personal or research purposes are not subject to any fee beyond the photographic costs (for which a scale of charges is available). Prior written permission must be obtained before any further reproduction is undertaken of images supplied, for commercial or non-commercial purposes. Reproduction fees may be charged.

True photographic reprints of most images can be provided, or computer-generated prints of an increasing proportion of the collection at low, medium or high resolution. Given the fragility of the original material our preference is to provide computer prints where possible. We can also provide transparencies and a range of electronic formats.

This material has been appraised in line with standard GB 227 procedures.

Retained in the custody of the University of St Andrews.

Continuing, by gift and purchase.

GB 227 phEPM, phALB: Early Photography Collection