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Requesting Photographs From The National Archives.

If you've read the previous section, then you know how the Control Number works, but this is where things start to get a little more complex. The Control Number only lists holdings at the Series Level. In order to request a photographic reproduction, you need provide an Item Level Citation, which individually categorizes items in a particular collection. This information is rarely included in the Control Number, and consists of four main components: Record Group Number Series Designator Box, Folder, or Divider Item Number Although you can obtain this information by visiting the Still Picture Branch in person, we have found that it's a much better approach, to let them do the research for you. By doing so, they are often able to locate related items of interest which you may otherwise miss. There is currently no fee for this service. Once you have this information, you can proceed to the next step in the process of ordering a negative or reprint. You'll need to contact a private vendor to handle your order, and this will be covered in another section.

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