Skip to main content

Visual images

Visual images

This section primarily addresses making copies of visual images for classroom use. See also the separate section for using visual images on the Web and Internet. 

You may reproduce works in the public domain  without restriction. Works created before 1923 or published without a copyright notice from 1923 - 1977 are in the public domain. See also Resources on the Web- Compliance Tools.

Works 1989 - present, may be under copyright whether or not a copyright symbol is present; no copyright symbol has been required since 1989.

Clip art is sold to be copied. However, note any restrictions, especially concerning using images on the Internet.

Copying images- Put the copyright symbol, name, and date on each copy. You may:

  • copy a small number of images from a large collection if it does not diminish the intrinsic value of the original collection.
  • use "thumbnail-size" images as a reference or a mnemonic tool.
  • not use without compensation any sizable archive that someone else has collected with considerable expenditure of time, energy, and money.
  • not acquire images that are free or inexpensive, and then charge an unreasonable amount for their use.

Digitizing images- You should point to, purchase, or license images which are readily available. If these options are not possible you may digitize and use an image if you:

  • only allow access to enrolled students during the course. Do not allow access at other times.
  • use it at a peer conference.
  • as a student, use it in the preparation of an academic course assignment or other requirements for a degree. You may keep such works prepared for course assignments in your portfolio.

You should purchase, license at a fair price, or point to an image if it should again become available in the future.

Slides- Image s added to the slide collection of the academic department, by either purchase or copy photography, become the property of Roanoke College. Whenever possible, you should purchase slides but should not duplicate them. If you cannot purchase a slide:

  • make only one copy of a reproduction.
  • do not copy every plate in a book.
  • use only for educational purposes.
  • you may loan the copy, but it may not be further duplicated in any form by the borrower.