Last Update: 01/15/2009 Printer Friendly Printer Friendly   Email This Page Email This Page  

Common Questions and Answers about Ordering Materials from the NICHD.

An Important Note About International Requests

Beginning in February 2009, the NICHD Information Resource Center will no longer fill international requests for materials. Because the majority of the Institute’s publications and materials are available for viewing, downloading, and printing from the NICHD Web site, we encourage users outside the United States to access NICHD materials in this manner. We apologize for any inconvenience this situation may cause. Should the situation change, and NICHD Information Resource Center is again able to fill international requests, we will provide additional information through this Web site.

Q: Is there a cost for ordering publications from the NICHD?
A: At this time, the NICHD provides all of its publications and materials at no cost.

Q: Is there a limit to how many publications I can order?
A: The online order system does have some order limits. These limits are to help ensure that the NICHD can provide materials to the largest number of people possible and can fill as many orders as possible with its inventory. The amount available varies by item and may change depending on our supply at the time.

Q: Is there any way to get copies of a publication beyond the order limit?
A: Yes. The NICHD frequently provides large numbers of publications, beyond the limits of the online order system, for special events, health fairs, and meetings, and to schools and non-profit organizations. If you would like to request a large number of copies, please contact the Information Specialists at the NICHD Information Resource Center at 1-800-370-2943 or at NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov to make arrangements.

Q: Can't I just submit multiple orders to get the number of publications that I need?
A: While the NICHD cannot limit the number of times that you submit orders online, the Institute encourages requestors who need large amounts of materials to contact us directly at 1-800-370-2943, or by e-mail at NICHDInformationResourceCenter@mail.nih.gov rather than submitting multiple requests. It is easier and more cost-efficient for the NICHD Information Resource Center, to deal with one large order instead of many smaller orders.

Q: Why won't the system let me order multiple copies of the National Reading Panel and Partnership for Reading materials?
A: The NICHD can provide only one copy of each reading publication to a requestor at this time. However, the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) at the U.S. Department of Education, part of the Partnership for Reading along with the NICHD, does provide multiple copies. To order, contact EDPubs at 1-800-228-8813 (TDD/TTY1-877-576-7734) or by visiting the EDPubs Web site.

Q: Is it OK to photocopy NICHD publications, or to download them from the Web site and print them?
A: Yes. At this time, the NICHD holds no copyright on the text of its publications; text may be reproduced, in whole or in part (unaltered), as needed. If you choose to use NICHD text, please cite the "National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, NIH, DHHS" as the source of the information, so that others can contact us if they need additional information or if they want to order publications.

Q: How soon will I receive my materials?
A: In most cases, you will receive your materials within two to three weeks of placing your order. Each order is processed within five business days of receipt. If you have not received the materials you requested within three weeks, please call the NICHD Information Resource Center at 1-800-370-2943 so that we can verify the status of your order.

Q: What if I need to receive materials overnight or within a few days?
A: The NICHD Information Resource Center can ship materials overnight at the requester's expense. It is best to contact us by telephone (1-800-370-2943) for rush requests. You will need to provide a Federal Express account number or major credit card number and expiration date to the Information Specialist. Please note that this information is not stored; to ensure your privacy and security, all such information is destroyed once the shipment has left the facility.