The Rogers Historical Museum (Arkansas) borrows a lot of historic images for
copying from individuals.  We keep the negatives and use the images for our
own exhibits, in-house publications, publicity, etc., with the lender's
tacit permission.  Sometimes outside museums, authors, individuals,
businesses, etc., ask to use an image, so we contact the lender for their
written permission.  As this is getting to be a cumbersome arrangement, we'd
like to develop an agreement between our museum and the lender for general
unconditional use of the image.  I plan to include language about how we
anticipate loaned images will be used (based on past experience), and that
we will treat the image as we do our own, with certain restrictions imposed
on specific use applications (e.g., an image can't be used in an undignified
way).

There are so many permutations (e.g., we charge a use fee for our own
images, but what about a loaned photo? what if the lender should die? should
we limit use to scholarly applications or allow commercial use?) that I'm
not sure I can create an effective, useful agreement.  I feel that if I give
the lender options for permission on various issues, like choosing from a
menu, it will complicate more than simplify.

Does anyone have suggestions or sample forms to share?  Thanks!

Marie Demeroukas
Registrar
Rogers Historical Museum
322 South Second St.
Rogers, AR  72756
501/621-1154; 501/621-1155
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www.rogersarkansas.com/museum

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