How to Get Copies of Newspapers

Whether you're a researcher, student or curious reader in search of recent or older newspapers, you can find the exact page number and article title that you require by contacting a few sources. The process is moderately easy, but does require some legwork. In some cases, you can obtain a copy of old newspapers for just a nominal fee. If the newspaper you want is out of print, don't worry, you still have a few options.

Contact Your Local Library

Browse the archives at your local library. Many libraries across the country offer easy-to-search archives of newspapers and periodicals, magazines and other archival footage.

Select the date and title of the newspaper you want to review and browse the pages of the newspaper until you find the article(s) you require.

Ask the library to make a copy of the article(s) you require. Some fees may apply.

Use an online library. If your local library does not have an archive service, visit the Libraries and Archives Department Web site (see "Resources") and search its archives. Print the newspaper article(s) you require.

Contact the Newspaper

Contact the newspaper company by phone or visit its official Web site to learn how you can obtain a copy.

Ask about out-of-print editions. In some cases, printed copies may no longer be available, so you may have to inquire about other methods of retrieval. The newspaper will notify you if the date you require is out of print.

Request a photocopy or PDF version of the newspaper. The newspaper may be able to pull a copy of the newspaper edition you want from their microfilm or microfiche files. Photocopies and PDF files generally incur a fee.

Contact a Newspaper Copy Service Company

Use a newspaper copy service. Web sites such as Portico.bl.uk provide reproductions of newspapers and periodicals for a fee.

Know the full range of services that are available. Ideal for researches, many newspaper copy services provide copies from original newspapers and periodicals, microfilm, prints and digital images.

Order online by providing the title of the newspaper you want to copy, the date of issue, the title/headline of the article you want and the page number.

You may have to pay a fee to get copies of newspapers.