Sarah, We have separate machines. We have a Vidar 44 inch scanner and a HP plotter that holds 2 rolls of paper. We print on 36 inch and 42 inch paper. We got a printer that held 2 rolls because we got tired of changing the paper. We've had 2 large format scanners and 2 large plotters over 14 years. I think that's pretty good. There is a machine that does print/scan and everything else. I think Ricoh makes it. It is a whole workstation. Our scanner can print directly to the plotter because of the software (an added expense). We usually don't print directly to the plotter any more. We like to adjust the image in Photoshop before printing. We print posters and scanned maps. We charge everyone for printing. It's just easier that way. We will print most things but not everyone wants to pay for smaller items. The prices will discourage some people from printing. We don't have a central place for printing. You can see our pricing here: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/maproom/printingfaq.html . What you get really depends on your needs. I would suggest you make a list of your needs and also a list of what you won't do. You have to decide what kind of services you want to offer. I hope this helps. Lucinda M. Hall Evans Map Room 2nd Level, 6025 Baker/Berry Library Dartmouth College Hanover, NH 03755 (603) 646-2579 (603) 646-3628 (fax) http://www.dartmouth.edu/~library/maproom/ From: Maps-L: Discussion Forum for Maps, Air Photo, Map Librarianship, GIS, etc. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Sarah Erekson Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2014 3:07 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Large format printers/copiers Hi MAPS-L, It looks like this question hasn't been discussed recently and I'd really appreciate some advice. Chicago Public Library is looking for a printer/plotter/scanner/copier that duplicates maps and charts in our FDLP collection as well as prints out custom GIS data such as USTopos. What are your recommendations? Would the machines that print from digital files also be able to make photocopies of maps that are still in our collection in paper, or would we need two machines? How resilient are new machines? If they do more, do they fail faster? Do you find it is better to get multiple size machines, needing both a 24" and a 42-44"? Do you handle duplication requests in-house or do you send patrons to a central graphics and reproductions office? How much do you charge and how do you determine price? Thanks in advance for your assistance. Sarah Erekson Librarian II Government Publications and Municipal Reference Chicago Public Library 400 South State Street, 5th floor Chicago, IL 60605 312-747-4508 [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>