Dear
colleagues,
Thank you
to everyone who answered my query regarding the pros and cons of using
commercial picture libraries. As one might expect, there wasn't a great
deal of experience in the archives sector of using them, but the following
points emerged:
Several
people mentioned the Bridgeman Art Library for images of works of art.
They apparently market their services quite aggressively, but were also spoken
of as being 'extremely good and helpful'. The Mary Evans Picture Library
were also given a favourable mention.
Issues to
consider include: quality of images; copyright; licensing and ownership (one may not wish to cede
full licensing rights to a commercial organisation); fees (you may lose
up to 50% of your usual reproduction fees as the picture library will take their
cut). Benefits include a 'shop window' on the Web for one's images, so
lower fees may be offset by more customers; and a saving of time and effort once
the initial agreement has been set up. For those who can afford it,
employing a picture researcher to prepare the images and negotiate with the
library might be a good option.
My feeling
is that commercial picture libraries are probably more appropriate
for images of paintings, prints and other works of art rather than old
photographs. I will certainly be investigating further.
Relevant
websites:
Jane Kimber
Borough Archivist
Hammersmith and Fulham Archives and Local
History Centre
The Lilla Huset
191 Talgarth Road
London W6 8BJ
Tel: 020 8741 5159
Fax: 020 8741 4882
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