[Sca-librarians] copyright on scribal artworks

[Johnna Holloway]

Here is what the Gauntlet had to say about the issue of images in its 4th quarter issue of 2011.

"The usage of images of extant pieces on websites and in newsletters is one of those topics that sparks debate. This has been a subject of discussion among the various kingdom chroniclers and this is what the Society Chronicler, Countess Honor of Restormel, has to say on the subject: “One of the kingdom webministers asked about the use of period images being mechanically copied (generally photography), which we referred to the attorney. The response was that every individual image used needs to be researched (and that research retained with the office, if the image is used), and that there isn't any "blanket" policy that will fit. The reason behind this is the source of the image: it may have been a photograph that was scanned from a book and the book (including the images) will likely hold a copyright, or the photographer may hold rights to the image, or some other combination of variables that they can't predict. Of course, this applies to similar sites as well, and the simplest solution is to read the fine print."

So, what does this mean for you? Well, it basically means that just because an object is old, and therefore in the public domain, doesn't mean that a picture taken of it is. The photographer may have enhanced the image, color corrected the image, or staged it creatively. That means you need to obtain permission to use the image. When in doubt, don't!

Lord Rijckaert (Richard) vanUtrecht, Chronicler"

Johnnae

 
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