We routinely make copies of our prints for visitors. We have only had one request for digital images, and we granted it. We charged a use fee per image because the man was using them on his web site, and we charged him for the Zip disk we used to provide the images. Out eventual goal is to digitize our collection, scanning all images, so we feel that a one-time scan aids in the long-term preservation rather than detracts from it. We also ask everyone who uses our photos to sign a waiver stating that they are really using it for what they say they are using it for (ie. one-time use, in the case of a digital image). This is sort of an on-your-honor thing, though. A use fee or a handling fee can help make this worth your while - we make a tidy sum every year from photo requests. Hope this helps, Erica Erica S. Maniez Museum Director, Issaquah Historical Society [log in to unmask] -----Original Message----- From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Renee Kurtzweil Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 1:28 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Requesting Historic Photos in Digital Formats At our medium sized historical society we receive many photograph requests every month. Over the past year there have been many requests to receive the images in digital form instead of standard photo reprints. Some people are so bold as to offer to bring in their own laptops and scanners. So far we have denied all of these requests. There are many issues at hand: number one being the preservation of the historic images; how much should be charged and how do you argue that the fee helps to preserve the collection (although scanning costs virtually nothing); how do we protect copyright of a digital image? Any suggestions of what has worked for others out there would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!!!!! Renee Kurtzweil, Director of Collections Northern Indiana Center for History